🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Calls Notre Dame Remarks Following CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his remarks targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Tension Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead pushing for the selection of the University of Miami. “They do great things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director stated. Miami eventually secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami. A Strong Rebuke Later on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark stated. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.” This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s unique position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Rumors Yormark also remarked the assistance the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Talk had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the immediate future. Notre Dame, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they are declining a bowl game after failing to qualify this year.