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During a notable statement, Big 12 chief declared that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public criticisms concerning 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. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s bid to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we bring tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.

The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct matchup between the two programs. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over multiple weeks indicating 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 conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “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 notable given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Future Moves

Yormark further pointed out the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the Covid-affected 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark reiterated. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Speculation had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, Yormark's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership unlikely in the near term.

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