🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Dispute Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami. “They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this process,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two programs. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC ran a coordinated social media effort over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami. An Egregious Rebuke Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public criticism is particularly striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Future Rumors The commissioner also remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game. “His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they plan to decline a bowl game after missing out this year.