Big 12 Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
In a public statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant 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 process,” the athletic director stated.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”
This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Context and Future Rumors
Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.
“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.
The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
