Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’

In a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant 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 process,” Bevacqua stated.

Miami ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

An Egregious Reaction

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

“I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

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

Past Context and Future Moves

The commissioner also pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

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

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