Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
