🔗 Share this article Big 12 Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Omission as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ During a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy Notre Dame maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “They do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this process,” the athletic director remarked. The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami. An Egregious Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public pushback is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of football independent Notre Dame. Historical Context and Future Moves The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game. “It has been unacceptable,” he reiterated. “It’s been egregious going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership highly improbable in the immediate future. Notre Dame, who made the CFP final last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.