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

In a strong rebuke, Brett Yormark asserted 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 Tension

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance 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 advocating for the spot of the University of Miami.

“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.

The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami.

A Strong Response

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

This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Support and Speculative Moves

The commissioner further remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.

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

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.