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In a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his remarks concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

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

“The ACC does great things for Notre Dame, but we provide substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua remarked.

Miami ultimately received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, mostly due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC conducted a coordinated social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

“My opinion is that his behavior has been unacceptable,” the commissioner said. “He is totally out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s special position. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Speculative Rumors

Yormark also remarked the support the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full ACC schedule and a place in its title game.

“It has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable criticizing Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand 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 failing to qualify this season.