Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial 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,” Bevacqua said.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique 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 Context and Future Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark 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. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
