Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
