Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman made a statement on Chris Fleeger's accusations of battery, which the St. Joseph County Prosecutor declined to charge him with.
“I want to address the recent accusations made against me, and it's important for me to speak on behalf of my family and myself. First of all, I want to thank Notre Dame for its support and immediate response to this matter. I'm grateful for their trust and defense of me even before the video evidence was released. I also want to thank the Penn High School administration, the community and countless others who have reached out to me and my family.
“I want to commend the journalists who handled their reporting with integrity. I know many of you in this room were aware of the situation as it was unfolding and I appreciate your patience and not rushing to report without having all the facts and information. It is also important to me to express my extreme disappointment with one particular local media outlet and a reporter who I believe chose to do the opposite. Had they handled themselves more professionally and waited for more facts to become available, this would not have become a sensationalized story making national headlines. Because they chose not to do so, my family and I have been dragged through the mud unnecessarily with clickbait headlines.
“The reality is I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline. Journalistic integrity should matter. Upholding ethical principles in news reporting with accuracy and fairness should matter. I know I'm a public figure and I understand the scrutiny that comes with that. That scrutiny should not extend to my children or any other child of a public figure.
“Lastly, I want to thank the Mishawaka Police Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office for their efforts in this matter. They examined all the evidence, including video footage and witness statements, and concluded that no criminal battery took place and that no charges should be filed. I was confident in this outcome because I know I did not intentionally touch anyone in a rude, angry, or disrespectful way. I'm glad this matter has been thoroughly reviewed and resolved. Out of respect for everyone involved, I won't comment further and will move forward with my family and team.”
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