🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Dispute Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial 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 procedure,” Bevacqua stated. The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct meeting between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami. A Strong Response Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark said. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public pushback is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Past Context and Speculative Moves The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game. “It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the near term. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.