Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame 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 chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
