Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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 stated.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also remarked the support the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.