Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
