🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ At a notable criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot 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 go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” Bevacqua stated. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing 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. “My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Past Context and Speculative Rumors Yormark also highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game. “His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the near term. The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.