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A security video was released showing the alleged physical interaction between Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman and an assistant high school wrestling coach.
The alleged incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, during one of Freeman’s sons VinnieWrestling meets at Mishawaka High School in Indiana.
The Mishawaka Police Department posted video of the alleged altercation on Monday, Jan. 12, which shows Marcus, 40, wearing a black jacket and gray hoodie near the gym’s exit doors.
In the images, New Prairie High School assistant coach Chris Fleeger approached Marcus before the Notre Dame coach walked through the doors.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also has a pretty impressive team off the field. Freeman, 38, who became head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at Ohio State University, where Marcus was a student. […]
Fleeger filed a police report at the event, accusing Freeman of battery, according to an article in the South Bend Tribune on Sunday January 11.
After Vinny lost his match, Fleeger allegedly began exchanging words with Marcus and Vinny’s wrestling coach.
Upon leaving the gym, Fleeger alleged that Marcus made physical contact with him. The police report did not indicate the extent to which Fleegar claimed Marcus touched him.
According to the police report, Marcus’s wife, Janegot into a fight with Fleeger in the school hallway, which law enforcement and Mishawaka school officials were forced to break up.
The Freeman family left the school soon after.
Marcus and Joanna have been married since 2010 and share six children together, including Vinny, their eldest. Marcus has a daughter from a previous relationship.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced that no charges will be filed against Marcus on Monday.
“Based on a review of all the evidence, the State would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred,” a statement said. “Although the evidence suggests touching may have occurred, inadvertent touching is not sufficient. Therefore, the State declines to file criminal charges.”
As part of its investigation, the district attorney’s office said it spoke with “numerous witnesses” and an off-duty law enforcement officer who was present at the wrestling competition and observed the alleged altercation. The officer described the incident as non-violent.
Notre Dame released a statement of support for Marcus on Sunday, before announcing that no charges would be filed.
“Vinny Freeman, the son of head coach Marcus Freeman, was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach,” the declaration said. “Marcus and Joanna Freeman intervened and removed Vinny from the station. At no time did Coach Freeman make physical contact with anyone. We believe the police report, which includes video evidence, completely exonerates Coach Freeman and clearly shows that these accusations are completely unfounded.”
A graduate of Penn High School, Vinny announced his commitment to wrestle at Cornell University in April 2025.
Marcus celebrated his son’s official commitment to Cornell on social media in November 2025.
“Congratulations, Vinny, on officially signing with @bigredwrestling!!” he shared via Instagram. “We are very proud of you and all the hard work you have put in to achieve this moment. We look forward to supporting you in the pursuit of your dreams!”
