Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The response is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
