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During a notable statement, Brett Yormark declared that Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, was “totally out of bounds” for public criticisms about the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Root of the Tension

The Fighting Irish has a football scheduling alliance with the ACC and is a full member in other sports. Bevacqua has claimed that the ACC actively damaged Notre Dame’s chances to qualify for the College Football Playoff, instead campaigning for the spot of the University of Miami.

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

The Hurricanes eventually earned the CFP invitation over Notre Dame, largely due to securing the head-to-head meeting between the two schools. Bevacqua additionally stated that the ACC conducted a coordinated 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.

“My opinion is that his actions has been unacceptable,” Yormark commented. “He is totally out of bounds in his tactics and if he was in the room, I’d say to him the same thing.”

This public pushback is especially significant given Bevacqua’s special standing. He sits on the College Football Playoff Management Committee with the ten FBS conference commissioners, representing the interests of football independent Notre Dame.

Past Support and Future Moves

The commissioner also highlighted the support the ACC gave Notre Dame during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season, giving the Irish a complete conference schedule and a berth in its title game.

“His behavior has been egregious,” he said again. “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, Yormark's public reprimand on Tuesday appear to make such a move unlikely in the immediate future.

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