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

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“The ACC do wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this procedure,” Bevacqua said.

The Hurricanes eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head meeting between the two teams. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks demonstrating its support for Miami.

An Egregious Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“In my view his behavior has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public criticism is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent 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 Future Rumors

The commissioner also remarked the lifeline the ACC offered Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game.

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

Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.

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