🔗 Share this article Big 12 Conference Commissioner Labels Notre Dame Remarks After CFP Omission as ‘Totally Out of Bounds’ In a notable statement, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for his remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Root of the Controversy The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a participating member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s chances to enter the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami. “The ACC do great things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to damage us in this selection,” the athletic director said. The Hurricanes eventually secured the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, primarily due to winning the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a coordinated social media campaign over several weeks demonstrating its preference for Miami. A Strong Response Subsequently on Tuesday, the Big 12 commissioner responded to the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum. “In my view his conduct has been egregious,” the commissioner commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his method and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.” This public criticism is especially striking given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee alongside the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of football independent Notre Dame. Past Support and Speculative Moves Yormark also pointed out the support the ACC provided Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game. “His behavior has been egregious,” he reiterated. “It’s been unacceptable going after the ACC commissioner, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...” Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a partnership less likely in the near term. The Irish, who made the CFP final last season, have stated they are declining a bowl game after missing out this year.