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In a public rebuke, Big 12 Conference commissioner stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring substantial 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 remarked.

The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media campaign over several weeks showing its preference for Miami.

A Strong Response

Subsequently on Tuesday, Yormark responded to the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his conduct has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Rumors

Yormark further highlighted the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a partnership less likely in the near term.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.