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Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coach Marcus Freeman was accused of assault 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 wrestling assistant coach Chris Fleeger claimed to have had some kind of physical contact after the football coach’s son lost his match, according to the South Bend Tribune.
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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)
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 newspaper.
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.
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Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman sings the Notre Dame Alma Mater after beating the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 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 makes clear that these allegations are unfounded.”
Mishawaka police investigated the incident and will leave it up to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether charges will be filed, according to the South Bend Tribune.
Freeman is set to return to the Fighting Irish for the 2026 season, despite being a target of various NFL teams.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates with players after scoring against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Nov. 22, 2025. (Michael Caterina/Imagn Images)
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Notre Dame narrowly missed going to the College Football Playoff despite going 10-2.
