Notre Dame have denied any wrongdoing by head football coach Marcus Freeman after he was accused of battery by a local wrestling coach. The allegation was made in a police report filed by Chris Fleeger, an assistant wrestling coach at New Prairie High School, following an incident at a wrestling meet on 3 January.
According to the South Bend Tribune, police and school officials had to separate Freeman and his wife, Joanna, from Fleeger after Joanna Freeman engaged in a shouting match with the coach. The police report did not disclose the extent of the contact alleged to have occurred between Fleeger and Marcus Freeman.
In a statement to multiple outlets, Notre Dame presented a different version of events, asserting that no physical contact took place. 'Vinny Freeman, head coach Marcus Freeman’s son, was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach,' the statement said. '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 totally unfounded.'
No charges have been filed in the case, and it is not known when a decision on charges might be made. The Freemans left the meet but were not formally asked to do so, according to the South Bend Tribune.
Freeman has just completed his fourth full season as Notre Dame's head coach, posting a 43-12 record and leading the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff final last season.
