Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
At a public statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer 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 remarked.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been egregious,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique 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.
Historical Support and Speculative Rumors
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
