At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Root of the Dispute
The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami.
“The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.
Miami ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami.
A Strong Rebuke
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 unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.
Historical Support and Speculative Moves
Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.
“It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Talk had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.
