🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a public statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Controversy Notre Dame maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They does great things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this selection,” Bevacqua said. The Hurricanes ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Moves The commissioner further highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game. “It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term. Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.