🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a public criticism, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring 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 remarked. The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media push over several weeks showing its support for Miami. A Strong Reaction Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public pushback is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Future Moves The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this season.