🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Calls Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has claimed that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC 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 hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director remarked. Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media effort over several weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. An Egregious Response Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “In my view his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach 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 role. He serves 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 support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its championship game. “It has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been egregious attacking the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.