The University of Notre Dame on Sunday disputed a battery allegation against head football coach Marcus Freeman, saying no physical contact occurred between Freeman and a high school wrestling coach during an altercation earlier this month, the South Bend Tribune reported.
According to the newspaper, the alleged incident involved Freeman and Chris Fleeger, a New Prairie High School wrestling assistant coach, during the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational on Jan. 3 at Mishawaka High School.
Freeman attended the event to support his son, Vinny, a senior wrestler at Penn High School.
According to the Tribune, the altercation allegedly started after Vinny lost his match and was being escorted out of the gym by Freeman and Penn head coach Brad Harper when “Fleeger allegedly began exchanging words with the group.”
Freeman walked through the doorway into the hallway, where “claims of physical contact allegedly occurred” between him and Fleeger, the publication reported. However, police haven’t provided details on the alleged contact.
The newspaper reported Fleeger and Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna Freeman, “engaged in a shouting match” before the two groups were separated by law enforcement and school officials.
Fleeger filed a police report at the event, accusing Freeman of battery. The report was sent to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine if any charges will be filed.
Notre Dame Athletics issued the following statement to the newspaper, disputing the claim:
“Vinny Freeman, head coach Marcus Freeman’s son, was verbally accosted during and after his wrestling match by a local wrestling coach. Marcus and Joanna Freeman intervened and removed Vinny from the situation. At no point did Coach Freeman physically engage with anyone. We believe that the police report, which includes video evidence, fully exonerates Coach Freeman and makes clear these accusations are unfounded.”
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