🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ At a notable rebuke, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s bid to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They do great 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 undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua remarked. The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its support for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “In my view his behavior has been egregious,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame. Past Context and Speculative Moves Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its championship game. “His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future. Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.