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During a public criticism, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for recent criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The Source of the Dispute

The Fighting Irish maintains a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. The AD has contended that the ACC harmed Notre Dame’s opportunities to enter the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to advocating for the selection of the University of Miami.

“They does wonderful things for Notre Dame, but we offer significant football value to the ACC, and we couldn't comprehend why you would make an effort to try to undermine us in this procedure,” Bevacqua stated.

Miami eventually earned the CFP spot over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the direct contest between the two teams. Bevacqua further alleged that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media push over multiple weeks showing its support for Miami.

A Strong Response

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

“In my view his conduct has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d tell him the same thing.”

The criticism is especially notable given Bevacqua’s prominent role. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of independent Notre Dame.

Historical Support and Speculative Moves

The commissioner further pointed out the assistance the ACC provided Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its championship game.

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

Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially splitting with the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. Yet, the commissioner's pointed reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario unlikely in the near term.

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