Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Dispute
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.
Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Speculative Moves
The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.
