Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 stated.
The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP berth over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark stated. “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 criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark also pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.
