Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’

During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.

Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Future Rumors

Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.

The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.