NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman avoided a criminal charge Monday after being accused of battery in an incident at his son’s high school wrestling match, officials said.
The St. Joseph County, Indiana, district attorney’s office declined to file charges against the longtime football coach. New Prairie High School assistant coach Chris Fleeger filed a police report alleging that Freeman pushed him following a match in which Freeman’s son, Vinny, was wrestling.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman and his team are honored during the first half of the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the SMU Mustangs at Purcell Pavilion on February 19, 2025. (Matt Cashore/Imagn Images)
The Mishawaka Police Department opened an investigation into the incident but left it in the hands of the prosecutor.
“On January 3, 2026, officers with the Mishawaka Police Department responded to a report of battery that occurred during a wrestling tournament at Mishawaka High School involving Marcus Freeman,” the district attorney’s office said, via the South Bend Tribune. “The incident occurred at the exit doors of the gymnasium and was filmed by surveillance video. Numerous witnesses were interviewed by the police. This investigation was subsequently handed over to this office.
“After reviewing the Mishawaka Police Department’s investigation into this incident, the Prosecutor’s Office has determined that there was no criminal battery. Therefore, no criminal charges will be filed against Mr. Freeman.”
JOEL KLATT: THREE WAYS TO FIX THE TRANSFER PORTAL TO AVOID THE CFB “DOOM” SCENARIO
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman speaks to reporters in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo)
The alleged incident occurred during the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational. Freeman and Penn coach Brad Harper allegedly exchanged words with Fleeger as Freeman, his son and the Penn coach exited the gym. Freeman’s wife, Joanna, was also accused of getting into an altercation with Fleeger before police intervened, according to the newspaper.
Notre Dame defended Freeman in a statement Sunday.
“Vinny Freeman, the son of head coach Marcus Freeman, 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 time did Coach Freeman have physical contact with anyone. We believe the police report, which includes video evidence, completely exonerates Coach Freeman and clearly shows that these accusations are unfounded.”
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman adjusts his radio against the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium on October 4, 2025. (Michael Caterina/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Freeman is expected to return to the Fighting Irish for the 2026 season.
