Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’

In a public criticism, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.

“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.

Miami eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Moves

The commissioner further highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.

“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after 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. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.

Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.