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Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coach Marcus Freeman was charged with battery in a police report filed earlier this month by an Indiana high school wrestling coach.
Freeman was at the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational to support his son, Vinny, who competes for Penn High School. Freeman and New Prairie High School assistant wrestling coach Chris Fleeger claimed to have had some sort of physical contact after the football coach’s son lost his fight, according to the South Bend Tribune.
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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)
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.
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Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman sings Notre Dame’s Alma Mater after defeating the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium on October 4, 2025. (Michael Caterina/Imagn Images)
“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.”
Mishawaka police investigated the incident and will leave it to the district attorney’s office to determine whether charges will be filed, according to the South Bend Tribune.
Freeman is expected to return to the Fighting Irish for the 2026 season, although he is a target of various NFL teams.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates with players after scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 22, 2025. (Michael Caterina/Imagn Images)
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Notre Dame narrowly missed making the College Football Playoff despite going 10-2.
