Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do 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 selection,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
