Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a notable criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful 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 undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “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 response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
