At a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Source of the Tension
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director stated.
Miami eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.
A Strong Response
Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Future Moves
Yormark also remarked the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.
