Marcus Freeman accused of battery at son’s wrestling event; Notre Dame calls accusations unfounded
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Marcus Freeman has been accused of battery after an incident that occurred at a wrestling event his high-school-aged son participated in. However, Notre Dame has responded to the accusations through a statement.
“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,” the statement read. “We believe that the police report, which includes video evidence, fully exonerates Coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are totally unfounded.”
According to the South Bend Tribune’s exclusive report, New Prairie High School assistant wrestling coach Chris Fleeger filed a report with local police, accusing the Notre Dame head coach of assault. He reportedly “began exchanging words” with Marcus Freeman and Vinny Freeman’s wrestling coach as Vinny was leaving the gym after losing his match.
As Marcus Freeman walked through the doorway into the hallway, physical contact allegedly occurred between Marcus Freeman and Fleeger, but police did not disclose the extent of the alleged contact. Once in the hallway, Fleeger and Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna, engaged in a shouting match before local law enforcement and Mishawaka school officials separated the two groups.
While charges have yet to be filed, that’s pending a review of the police report by the local prosecutor.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
