Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Controversy
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant 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 spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Reaction
Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
