🔗 Share this article Big 12 Chief Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Snub as ‘Completely Out of Bounds’ During a strong statement, Big 12 chief stated that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “completely out of bounds” for his comments about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Source of the Controversy The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the spot of the University of Miami. “They 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 ultimately secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the head-to-head matchup between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD additionally stated that the ACC ran a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks indicating its preference for Miami. A Strong Reaction Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the comments at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” the commissioner stated. “He is completely out of bounds in his approach and if he was in the same room, I’d tell him the same thing.” The pushback is particularly notable given Bevacqua’s prominent position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Future Moves Yormark further remarked the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete conference schedule and a place in its championship game. “His behavior has been unacceptable,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable attacking the ACC commissioner, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...” Speculation had spread about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario less likely in the near term. The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.