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During a notable criticism, Big 12 Conference commissioner asserted that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for recent comments concerning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

The Fighting Irish maintains a gridiron scheduling agreement with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has argued that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to make the College Football Playoff, instead advocating for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“The ACC does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous football value to the ACC, and we didn’t understand why you would make an effort to try to hurt us in this selection,” the athletic director stated.

The Hurricanes ultimately received the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to winning the direct meeting between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks showing its support for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

Later on Tuesday, Yormark addressed the allegations at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

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

This public pushback 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 football independent Notre Dame.

Past Support and Speculative Rumors

Yormark also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a full conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

“It has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they rescued Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday seem to make such a scenario less likely in the near term.

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