hundreds of conversations with various people from other schools over the years. It is possible something was said in those conversations that gave a person a different impression of the situation. If that person shared their thoughts and opinions with other members of the conferences and conference officials, then it could have influenced their opinions too. When things didn't go according to plan, then it could rub them the wrong way and maybe even their pride is a little wounded. Particularly if Notre Dame takes an unapologetic and maybe even arrogant tone during any conversations to try to clear the air. Some of the members on the conference side may think/feel Notre Dame is using the conference because the conference isn't getting as much out of the relationship as Notre Dame is getting out of the relationship. While Notre Dame believes it was crystal clear on its position from the beginning even though it made an exception in 2020. If it made an exception once, then it is possible it could make another exception in the future and another and another and another and so on. For the record, I never thought Notre Dame would join a conference in football even in 2020. It was the main reason why I didn't think the ACC should agree to it because I thought the negative optics outweighed any benefits the ACC could gain from it. Plus, it made it too easy to question just how loyal Notre Dame is to the conference vs. having buyer's remorse because its heart secretly pines for another (i.e. Big East...example purposes only). The decision was made and damage has been done by both parties even if neither side is willing to admit it. Now it is becoming a marriage that probably should have never taken place and everyone believes the inevitable conclusion will be a divorce at some point in the future. Just like everyone predicted the inevitable divorce between basketball and football in the Big East.