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

During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish has 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 campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked.

The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Past Support and Future Moves

Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game.

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

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future.

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