Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing 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 make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Future Moves
The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move highly improbable in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
