Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Reaction
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
