Marcus Freeman addresses battery accusation, claims family was ‘dragged through the mud’
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman met with local reporters in South Bend on Wednesday to discuss the 2025 season, his team going forward, and several other topics. But, before he got to anything football-related, Freeman issued a lengthy statement addressing accusations of battery that surfaced against him earlier this week.
Freeman confirmed that, based on available evidence, authorities declined to charge him with anything after an alleged incident took place at his son’s wrestling event. That was in line with what Notre Dame released immediately after the allegations came to light.
The school claimed at the time that video evidence “fully exonerates Coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are totally unfounded.” Freeman thanked Notre Dame leadership on Wednesday for their trust and support.
Freeman also sharply hit back at one (unnamed) media outlet that he said engaged in reckless reporting, which “sensationalized” the story and “dragged (his family) through the mud unnecessarily.”
His full statement can be found below. The press conference can be seen here.
I want to thank Notre Dame for their support and immediate response to this matter. I’m grateful for their trust and defense of me even before the video evidence was released. I also want to thank the Penn High School administration, the community, and countless others who have reached out to me and my family.
I want to commend the journalists who handled their reporting with integrity. I know many in this room were aware of the situation as it was unfolding, and I appreciate your patience and not rushing to report without having all the facts and information.
It is also important to me to express my extreme disappointment with one particular local media outlet and a reporter who I believe chose to do the opposite. Had they handled themselves more professionally and waited for more facts to become available, this would not have become a sensationalized story making national headlines. Because they chose not to do so, my family and i have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines.
The reality is I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline. Journalistic integrity should matter. Upholding ethical principles in news reporting, with accuracy and fairness, should matter. I know I’m a public figure and I understand the scrutiny that comes with that. That scrutiny should not extend to my children, or any other child of a public figure.
Lastly, I want to thank the Mishawaka Police Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office for their efforts in this matter. They examined all the evidence, including video footage and witness statements, and concluded that no criminal battery took place, and that no charges should be filed. I was confident in this outcome because I know I did not intentionally touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way. I’m glad this matter has been thoroughly reviewed and resolved. Out of respect for everyone involved, I won’t comment further, and will move forward with my family and team.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
