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In a strong statement, Brett Yormark stated that Notre Dame's AD, Pete Bevacqua, was “entirely out of bounds” for public remarks about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Controversy

Notre Dame has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in all other sports. Bevacqua has contended that the ACC hurt Notre Dame’s bid to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the inclusion of the University of Miami.

“They do great things for Notre Dame, but we provide tremendous 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 procedure,” the athletic director stated.

The Hurricanes ultimately earned the CFP berth over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head contest between the two teams. Notre Dame's AD further alleged that the ACC ran a targeted social media push over several weeks indicating its preference for Miami.

A Strong Rebuke

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

“My opinion is that his conduct has been egregious,” Yormark stated. “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 particularly significant given Bevacqua’s unique position. He serves on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the concerns of football independent Notre Dame.

Historical Context and Speculative Moves

The commissioner further highlighted the lifeline the ACC provided Notre Dame during the Covid-affected 2020 season, providing the Irish a complete ACC schedule and a berth in its title game.

“His behavior has been unacceptable,” he said again. “It’s been egregious criticizing Jim Phillips, when they saved Notre Dame during Covid...”

Talk had spread about Notre Dame potentially leaving the ACC and partnering with the Big 12. Yet, Yormark's strong comments on Tuesday appear to make such a scenario highly improbable in the near term.

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