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

At a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Dispute

The Fighting Irish 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 bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.

“They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked.

Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his actions has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

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

Historical Context and Speculative Moves

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

“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this year.