Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism 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 tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.