🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Comments Following CFP Snub as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ During a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Dispute Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in all other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide 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 said. Miami ultimately secured the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami. An Egregious Response Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “I think his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the concerns of independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Moves The commissioner also remarked the assistance the ACC offered Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its title game. “It has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday seem to make such a move less likely in the near term. The Irish, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after missing out this season.