🔗 Share this article Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ During a public statement, Big 12 chief asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Controversy The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami. “They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. An Egregious Rebuke Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Speculative Moves The commissioner also highlighted the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this season.