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

The Source of the Tension

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has argued that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead choosing to pushing for the selection of the University of Miami.

“The ACC 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 hurt us in this procedure,” the athletic director said.

Miami eventually received the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head matchup between the two schools. Bevacqua also claimed that the ACC engaged in a targeted social media effort over several weeks indicating its support for Miami.

An Egregious Response

Later on Tuesday, Yormark spoke about the criticism at the Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum.

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

The pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special role. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, advocating for the interests of independent Notre Dame.

Past Context and Speculative Rumors

Yormark further remarked the lifeline the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a place in its title game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” Yormark said again. “It’s been unacceptable going after Jim Phillips, when they helped Notre Dame during Covid...”

Rumors had circulated about Notre Dame possibly leaving the ACC and aligning with the Big 12. However, the commissioner'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 plan to decline a postseason invitation after missing out this season.