Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.