Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think 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 say to him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
