🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ During a notable statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Tension The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to hurt us in this process,” Bevacqua stated. Miami ultimately received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami. A Strong Response Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” The response is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Speculative Moves Yormark further pointed out the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.