At a Glance
- Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman cleared after Mishawaka Police decline charges
- Freeman blasts unnamed local outlet for “clickbait headlines” that “dragged family through mud”
- Incident stemmed from Jan. 3 verbal clash at son Vinny’s wrestling meet
- Why it matters: High-profile coach fights back against coverage he says endangered his kids
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman used a Jan. 14 press conference to both celebrate police clearing him of a battery allegation and to excoriate a local reporter he says sensationalized the story, turning a parental protection moment into a week-long media circus.
Freeman Cleared After Police Review
Freeman told reporters he was “confident” no charges would be filed because “I know I did not intentionally touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way.” Mishawaka Police confirmed they closed the case without pursuing charges.
- Jan. 3: Alleged confrontation at Mishawaka High during Al Smith Wrestling Invitational
- Jan. 14: Freeman briefs media; police formally decline to press charges
- University statement cites video evidence as proof accusations are “unfounded”
What Actually Happened
According to the South Bend Tribune account cited by News Of Losangeles, the episode began after Freeman’s son Vinny-a Cornell-bound senior-lost a match and was escorted off the mat by his father and coach. New Prairie assistant coach Chris Fleeger then began “exchanging words” with the group.
Tension escalated in the hallway where Fleeger and Freeman’s wife Joanna shouted at each other before school officials and law enforcement separated the parties. Fleeger filed a police report on site; the Freeman family left the tournament.
Freeman Thanks Supporters, Rips One Outlet
Freeman opened the press conference by praising Notre Dame for defending him “even before the video evidence was released,” and thanked Penn High School, the community, and “countless others” for support.
He reserved criticism for “one particular local media outlet and a reporter” that he did not name:
“Because they chose not to [report with integrity], my family and I have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines,” Freeman said. “The reality is I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family. And that should have been the only headline.”
University Backs Coach
Notre Dame Athletics issued a statement the day of the incident denying any assault took place:
“Vinny Freeman, head coach Marcus Freeman’s son, was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach. Marcus and Joanna Freeman intervened and removed Vinny from the situation. At no point did Coach Freeman physically engage with anyone. We believe that the police report, which includes video evidence, fully exonerates Coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are unfounded.”
Moving Forward
Freeman said he will make no further comment “out of respect for everyone involved” and intends to focus on his family and the upcoming football season. The second-year head coach reiterated that public-figure scrutiny “should not extend to my children or any other child of a public figure.”
Key Takeaways
- Police found no basis for battery charge after reviewing video and statements
- Freeman acknowledges scrutiny comes with job but draws line at family safety
- Coach praises integrity of most reporters while singling out one for “mud-slinging”
- No disciplinary action expected from Notre Dame
