Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Rumors
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.
