Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’

In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks 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 participating member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.

The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “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 criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Future Moves

Yormark further pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.