🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Chief Labels Notre Dame Comments After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ During a notable rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for public criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Controversy The Fighting Irish has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this process,” Bevacqua said. The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami. A Strong Reaction Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The criticism is particularly significant given Bevacqua’s prominent standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Speculative Rumors The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a move less likely in the immediate future. The Irish, who reached the CFP final last season, have indicated they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.