Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do 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 undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been egregious,” Yormark said. “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 pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.