Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.