Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities 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 bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.
