🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ At a notable statement, Brett Yormark asserted that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead pushing 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 make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director said. Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the direct contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its support for Miami. An Egregious Reaction Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Support and Speculative Moves The commissioner further pointed out the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game. “It has been egregious,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future. Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have stated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.