Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’
During a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed 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 wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua stated.
Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.
Historical Context and Future Moves
Yormark further remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 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 going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a bowl game after missing out this year.
