Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman will not face criminal charges following a battery allegation made after his son’s high school wrestling match earlier this month, with prosecutors concluding that video evidence and witness statements do not support the claim.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced that it declined to file charges stemming from a Jan. 3 incident at the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational in Mishawaka, Indiana. After reviewing surveillance video and interviewing multiple witnesses, prosecutors said they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Freeman committed criminal battery.
The allegation was filed by Chris Fleeger, an assistant wrestling coach at New Prairie High School, who told police that Freeman shoved him during an exchange following a match involving Freeman’s son, Vinny. Fleeger claimed the shove was intentional and forceful.
However, prosecutors said the available video does not show the alleged “two-handed push” described in the police report. According to the prosecutor’s summary, Freeman’s left hand remained in his pocket during the encounter, and any contact appeared minimal and incidental. Multiple witnesses told police they did not observe a shove or aggressive physical action.
Alleged mugshot of Chris Fleeger 🫵😂
Christopher Fleeger has been arrested twice, according to https://t.co/fLyUEDDLnd
• Residential Entry and Theft (2004)
• Battery resulting in Bodily Injury (2009)Why was this scumbag coaching high school wrestling in the first place? 🤡 pic.twitter.com/cv6JwlStOa
— Sports Talk Drew ☘️ (@SportsTalkDrew) January 12, 2026
In documents reviewed by authorities, Fleeger’s own statements raised additional questions about the credibility of the allegation. According to the police report, Fleeger told officers he knew Freeman was “rich” and said he intended to get an attorney. Prosecutors cited that statement as part of the overall context considered when evaluating the claim.
The report also noted that Fleeger acknowledged having previously attempted to recruit Freeman’s son to a different wrestling program and club, an offer the Freeman family declined. Witnesses told police there had been tension earlier in the day, including verbal exchanges involving Fleeger and Freeman’s wife, Joanna.
More details from the St. Joseph Prosecutor's release regarding Marcus Freeman and his interaction with Chris Fleeger. pic.twitter.com/U5JA0q4Gp3
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) January 12, 2026
Notre Dame Athletics strongly denied the accusation from the outset. In a statement, the university said Freeman never physically engaged with anyone and that the coach and his wife were focused solely on removing their son from what they described as a hostile situation.
“At no point did Coach Freeman initiate or engage in any physical confrontation,” the statement said, adding that video evidence supported Freeman’s account.
Freeman told investigators he did not recall making physical contact with Fleeger and said he briefly approached the coach to ask him to stop speaking about his son before leaving the venue.
The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the decision not to file charges was based on evidence, not Freeman’s status as a high-profile college football coach. Officials said the standard of proof required for criminal prosecution could not be met.
