Security video has been released showing the alleged physical interaction between Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman and a high school assistant wrestling coach.
The alleged incident happened on Saturday, January 3, during one of Freeman’s son Vinny’s wrestling meets at Mishawaka High School in Indiana.
The Mishawaka Police Department released video of the alleged altercation on Monday, January 12, which shows Marcus, 40, in a black jacket and gray hoodie near the exit doors of the gym.
In the footage, New Prairie High School assistant coach Chris Fleeger approached Marcus before the Notre Dame coach walked out the doors.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has quite the impressive squad off the field, too. Freeman, 38, who became the head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at The Ohio State University, where Marcus was a […]
Fleeger filed a police report at the event accusing Freeman of battery, according to a story 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.
While exiting the gym, Fleeger alleged Marcus engaged in physical contact with him. The police report did not indicate to what extent Fleegar claimed Marcus touched him.
According to the police report, Marcus’ wife, Joanna, got into a shouting match with Fleeger in the school’s hallway, which law enforcement and Mishawaka school officials were forced to separate.
The Freeman family left the school shortly after.
Marcus and Joanna have been married since 2010 and share six children together, including Vinny, their oldest. 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 of the evidence, the State would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred,” a statement read. “While the evidence suggests that a touching may have occurred, an inadvertent touching is not sufficient. The State is therefore declining to file any criminal charges.”
As part of their investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office said they spoke with “numerous witnesses” and an off-duty law enforcement officer who was present at the wrestling meet and observed the alleged altercation. The officer described the incident as not forceful.”
Notre Dame issued a statement in support of Marcus on Sunday, before the announcement that charges would not be filed.
“Vinny Freeman, head coach Marcus Freeman’s son, 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 station. At no point did coach Freeman physically engage with anyone. We believe the police report, which includes video evidence, fully exonerates coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are totally unfounded.”
A senior at 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.
“Congrats, Vinny, on officially signing with @bigredwrestling!!” he shared via Instagram. “We are so proud of you and all of the hard work you’ve put into achieving this moment. Looking forward to supporting you as you chase your dreams!”
