🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua remarked. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. An Egregious Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his actions has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Future Moves The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game. “It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term. The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this year.