Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
In a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Controversy
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.
An Egregious Rebuke
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Past Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
