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At a strong criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for recent comments targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Tension

The Fighting Irish has 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 pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.

Miami eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC conducted a targeted social media effort over several weeks showing its support for Miami.

An Egregious Response

Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“I think his behavior has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “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 response is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Speculative Rumors

The commissioner also pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been egregious attacking Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. However, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the immediate future.

Notre Dame, who reached the CFP championship game last season, have indicated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this season.