Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. 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 further remarked the support the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
