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At a strong criticism, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for his criticisms targeting the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Controversy

Notre Dame has a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to make the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer substantial football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would go out of your way to try to damage us in this process,” the athletic director said.

Miami eventually received the CFP spot over Notre Dame, primarily due to securing the direct contest between the two schools. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media campaign over multiple weeks showing its preference for Miami.

An Egregious Rebuke

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

“My opinion is that his actions has been out of line,” Yormark commented. “He is completely out of bounds in his method and if he was in the same room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s unique standing. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Future Moves

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

“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing the ACC commissioner, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's pointed comments on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the immediate future.

The Irish, who made the CFP championship game last season, have announced they will decline a postseason invitation after failing to qualify this year.