Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’
During a strong statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended 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.
“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 selection,” the athletic director remarked.
The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits 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 support the ACC gave 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 egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they plan to decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.
