🔗 Share this article Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a strong statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the selection of the University of Miami. “The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director said. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami. An Egregious Reaction Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said. “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 criticism is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Future Moves The commissioner further remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario unlikely in the immediate future. Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.