NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman avoided a criminal charge Monday after being charged with assault in an incident at his son’s high school wrestling match, officials said.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana declined to file charges against the veteran football coach. New Prairie High School assistant coach Chris Fleeger filed a police report alleging that Freeman shoved him after a match in which Freeman’s son, Vinny, was wrestling.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman and the team are honored in 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/Image Images)
The Mishawaka Police Department launched an investigation into the incident but left it to the prosecutor.
“On January 3, 2026, officers with the Mishawaka Police Department responded to a report of an assault that occurred at a high school wrestling tournament hosted at Mishawaka High School involving Marcus Freeman,” the prosecutor’s office said, via the South Bend Tribune. “The incident took place at the exit doors of the gym and was captured by surveillance cameras. The police questioned numerous witnesses. The investigation was later entrusted to this office.
“After reviewing the Mishawaka Police Department’s investigation into this incident, the Prosecutor’s Office has determined that no criminal assault occurred. As such, no criminal charges will be filed against Mr. Freeman.”
JOEL KLATT: THREE WAYS TO FIX THE TRANSFER PORTAL TO AVOID CFB’S ‘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 left the gym. Freeman’s wife, Joanna, was also accused of arguing loudly 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 harassed 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 was Coach Freeman physically involved 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/Image Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Freeman will return to the Fighting Irish for the 2026 season.
