Indiana State Police have shared security footage of an incident involving Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman and his former high school wrestling coach.
The footage, made public by the Mishawaka Police Department, was recorded on January 3 in the gym of Mishawaka High School, where Freeman reportedly had a brief confrontation with Chris Fleeger, an assistant wrestling coach at New Prairie High School.
The video appears to show Freeman conversing with Fleeger, but no physical confrontation is depicted.
According to Fleeger, the two had a discussion in the hallway that escalated into something physical. It’s noted that several police officers were present to separate them.
“The plaintiff acknowledged to detectives that he had previously attempted to persuade Mr. Freeman’s son to join another high school’s wrestling team and his wrestling club, which the Freeman family declined,” the prosecutors stated on Monday.
Fleeger subsequently lodged a complaint with local law enforcement, accusing Freeman of assault.
Despite the incident report, the prosecutor’s office in St. Joseph County, Indiana, has decided not to file charges against Freeman.
Reports suggest that Fleeger had tried to recruit Freeman’s son for his wrestling program, but Freeman reportedly refused. Yet, witnesses claimed that Fleeger made efforts to convince wrestlers to target Freeman’s son during matches.
Fleeger has denied these allegations.
In response, Notre Dame expressed support for Coach Freeman.
“Vinnie Freeman, the son of head coach Marcus Freeman, faced verbal abuse from a local wrestling coach during and after a match,” the university’s statement read. “Marcus and his wife, Joanna Freeman, stepped in to remove Vinny from the situation.”
“At no point was Coach Freeman physically involved with anyone. We believe the police report, along with the video evidence, completely clears Coach Freeman of these allegations, suggesting they are baseless.”
