Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman addressed the recent battery allegation against him during a press conference on Wednesday, January 14. The 40-year-old coach emphasized that he acted in a respectful and professional manner while protecting his family and thanked the university, police, and community for their support.

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Allegation Linked to Son’s Wrestling Match

The controversy stemmed from an incident at the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational on January 3 at Mishawaka High School, near South Bend, Indiana. Freeman’s son, Vinny Freeman, a senior who has committed to Cornell University, had just lost a match.

According to a police report obtained by the South Bend Tribune, an exchange of words occurred between Marcus Freeman, Vinny’s coach, and a wrestling assistant coach from New Prairie High School, Chris Fleeger. The situation escalated as Freeman’s wife, Joanna Freeman, became involved, and school officials intervened to separate the groups.

“Vinny Freeman … was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach,” Notre Dame Athletics stated.
“Marcus and Joanna Freeman intervened and removed Vinny from the situation. At no point did Coach Freeman physically engage with anyone. The police report, which includes video evidence, fully exonerates Coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are unfounded.”

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Freeman Responds: “Dragged Through the Mud”

During the press conference, Freeman expressed frustration at how the incident was portrayed in the media.

“Because they chose not to do so, my family and I have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines,” he said, referring to one unnamed local reporter.

Freeman underscored that the focus should have been on his professional and respectful conduct.

“The reality is I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family. And that should have been the only headline,” he added.

He emphasized that public scrutiny is understandable for public figures, but it should not extend to their children or other minors.

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Charges Not Pursued

Freeman thanked the Mishawaka Police Department and St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for thoroughly investigating the allegation.

“I was confident in this outcome because I know I did not intentionally touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way,” Freeman said, noting that no charges were filed.

He concluded the press conference by stating that out of respect for all involved, he would not comment further and would focus on moving forward with his family and Notre Dame football team.

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Community and University Support

Freeman expressed gratitude for Notre Dame and the broader community’s support:

“I’m grateful for their trust and defense of me even before the video evidence was released,” he said.
“I also want to thank the Penn High School administration, the community, and countless others who have reached out to me and my family.”

He also acknowledged journalists who reported with integrity, contrasting them with those who sensationalized the situation.

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Moving Forward

The incident, though stressful for the Freeman family, is now officially resolved in Freeman’s favor. With video evidence exonerating him and no charges filed, the focus for the coach remains on his family, his team, and upcoming football season preparations.