🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ At a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning 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. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami. “The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide significant 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 selection,” the athletic director said. Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to securing the direct meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its support for Miami. An Egregious Response Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “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 response is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Moves The commissioner further pointed out the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term. Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.