Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous 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.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline 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,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
