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Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman avoided criminal charges Monday after he was accused of assault in an incident at his son’s high school wrestling match, officials said.
St. The Joseph’s County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana 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 after a match in which Freeman’s son, Vinny, wrestled.
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Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman and 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 launched an investigation into the incident, but left it in the hands of the prosecutor.
“On January 3, 2026, officers from the Mishawaka Police Department responded to a complaint of a battery that occurred at a high school wrestling tournament held at Mishawaka High School involving Marcus Freeman,” prosecutors said via the South Bend Tribune. “The incident occurred at the exit doors of the gymnasium and was captured on video surveillance. Several witnesses were interviewed by the police. This investigation was then forwarded to this office.
“After reviewing the Mishawaka Police Department’s investigation into this incident, the Prosecutor’s Office has determined that no criminal battery occurred. As such, no charges will be filed against Mr. Freeman.”
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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 reportedly exchanged words with Fleeger as Freeman, his son and the Penn coach walked out of the gym. Freeman’s wife, Joanna, was also accused of getting into a shouting match with Fleeger before police intervened, according to the paper.
Notre Dame defended Freeman in a statement Sunday.
“Vinny Freeman, son of head coach Marcus Freeman, was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach,” the statement read. “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 makes clear that these allegations are unfounded.”
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman adjusts his radio against the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025. (Michael Caterina/Imagn Images)
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Freeman is set to return to the Fighting Irish for the 2026 season.
