🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ At a public statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the spot of the University of Miami. “They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer 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 selection,” the athletic director stated. Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami. An Egregious Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark said. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The response is especially notable given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Future Rumors Yormark further highlighted the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a full conference schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future. The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a bowl game after missing out this season.