LAS VEGAS — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark recently weighed in on the heated comments made by Notre Dame’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua. Bevacqua criticized ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, calling the situation “the ultimate gut punch” for Notre Dame after their exclusion from the recent College Football Playoff bracket. Yormark described Bevacqua’s remarks as “egregious” and “totally out of bounds,” indicating he didn’t appreciate Notre Dame’s reaction to being left out.
Notre Dame, which finished the season strong with a 10-game winning streak and a 10-2 record, found itself on the outside looking in, notably behind ACC member Miami, which had beaten them earlier in the season. Their postseason dreams were further complicated when the Irish announced they would not participate in a bowl game, which was expected to be the Pop-Tarts Bowl against BYU.
Bevacqua claimed that the ACC had launched a targeted campaign against Notre Dame, highlighted by social media posts that drew comparisons between Miami and the Irish. Fans were quick to discuss this development, with mixed reactions flooding social media. Many supporters expressed disbelief at how the ACC, which relies on Notre Dame for football revenue, seemed to undermine its partnership.
On Bevacqua’s part, he anticipated an apology from the ACC over these posts, which he dismissed as the work of a low-level staffer. In a recent interview, he remarked that the ACC’s treatment of Notre Dame has “done permanent damage” to their relationship, despite the Irish having 24 athletic teams in the conference, albeit with football being a notable exception. In 2014, Notre Dame and the ACC had signed a scheduling agreement ensuring the Irish would face at least five ACC teams each season.
In response to the criticism, Phillips reaffirmed the value of Notre Dame to the ACC, emphasizing the conference’s responsibility to advocate for its institutions. He stated, “At no time was it suggested by the ACC that Notre Dame was not a worthy candidate for inclusion.”
Despite the tension, Bevacqua later moderated his tone, acknowledging that “all things can be healed,” although he admitted the situation had strained relationships.
This ongoing saga reflects not just the competitive nature of college football but also the intricate relationships between conferences in a changing landscape. With recent viewership data showing a 10% increase in college football ratings, the stakes for these conferences—and their partnerships—have never been higher. As the landscape evolves, the dynamics between schools and their conferences will continue to be a hot topic, shaping the future of college sports.
For a deeper look at college sports dynamics, you might explore reports from the NCAA or trusted sports news outlets.
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