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

At a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“They does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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.

Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Response

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

“I think his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Future Moves

Yormark further pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.

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

Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.

The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.