Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Speculative 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 egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
