Marcus Freeman has finally spoken out. The Notre Dame football head coach broke his silence calmly and clearly. He addressed battery allegations that followed him for days after a tense moment at his son's high school wrestling match.
Prosecutors Drop Case Due to Lack of Evidence
The case raised numerous questions. It sparked headlines across the country. Heavy attention focused on Freeman's family throughout the ordeal. Now prosecutors have dropped the matter completely. They cited a lack of evidence as the reason. Freeman spoke publicly for the first time to set the record straight.
Incident Details from January Wrestling Match
The incident happened on January 3 at a high school wrestling event in Indiana. Freeman was watching his 17-year-old son Vinny Freeman compete. After the match ended, an argument developed between adults near the mat. This later turned into a police complaint.
The situation quickly became public knowledge. It drew national attention because of Freeman's prominent role. He serves as one of college football's most visible coaches. Notre Dame stood by him immediately. Days later, prosecutors confirmed there would be no charges filed.
Freeman Addresses Media in Campus Press Conference
With that chapter now closed, Freeman addressed reporters on Wednesday. He spoke during a press conference on Notre Dame's campus. The coach thanked those who supported him throughout the process. He also spoke openly about the impact on his family.
Coach Thanks Notre Dame for Immediate Support
Speaking at Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman opened his statement with gratitude. He thanked the university for standing with him from the very beginning. Freeman said, "First of all, I want to thank Notre Dame for their support and immediate response to this matter. I'm grateful for their trust and defense of me even before the video evidence was released."
He also expressed appreciation for Penn High School administrators. Freeman thanked the community and people who reached out to his family. This support came during the stressful days that followed the initial reports.
Freeman Criticizes Media Coverage of Incident
Freeman then spoke about media coverage of the incident. While he praised most journalists for their professional handling, he criticized one unnamed local outlet and reporter specifically. Freeman stated, "Because they chose not to handle this with integrity, my family and I have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines."
He added that he acted respectfully throughout the situation. Freeman emphasized he only focused on protecting his family. "The reality is I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline," Freeman declared.
Original Police Report Details
The original report came from the South Bend Tribune on January 11. A police report filed by New Prairie High School assistant wrestling coach Chris Fleeger claimed Freeman became physical after Vinny Freeman lost his match. The opponent was Hanover Central senior Israel Sinnott.
The report stated Marcus Freeman and Penn head coach Brad Harper escorted Vinny from the mat. Words were exchanged between parties. The situation then moved into a hallway area.
No Evidence Found to Support Claims
Police did not detail any physical contact in their reports. Later reviews found no proof to support the initial claims. Freeman said he remained confident throughout the investigation. "I know I did not touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way," he stated firmly.
While Freeman and his family left the venue voluntarily, they were not asked to leave. Investigators later confirmed there was no wrongdoing found. Freeman earns close to $9 million per year as Notre Dame's head coach. He has been linked to potential NFL coaching jobs recently. He remains Notre Dame's head coach with his record now completely clear.
