During a public criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent criticisms concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning 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 undermine us in this selection,” the athletic director said.
The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.
Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.
“My opinion is that his conduct has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”
The pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.
The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.
“It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”
Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.
Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.
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