Officials say no burden of proof to charge coach after attack

FISHERS, INDIANA -- Officials in Fishers, Indiana arrested 47-year-old Fred Freeman of Hartford, Wisconsin -- an Amateur Athletics Union basketball coach who allegedly attacked a 17-year-old female player, following a loss. The incident occurred outside the Fieldhouse Sports Complex Monday, July 9th.

FOX6 News learned late Tuesday, July 10th Hamilton County special prosecutors say they do not have the burden of proof to pursue any charges against Freeman.

Freeman spoke exclusively with FOX6 News Tuesday evening, and said all the allegations against him are false.

Officials said in a statement early Tuesday the victim told officers Freeman, the Wisconsin "Steelerz" AAU basketball coach, verbally abused her following the team's loss, and reported Freeman "punched her in the face, threw her to the ground and got on top of her, with his hands around her throat," according to a statement issued by Fishers police.

The victim reportedly sustained scratches and abrasions on her arms and legs.

Officers arrested Freeman at a Fisher's restaurant.

Tuesday evening, Freeman described the incident to FOX6 News.

"The girl was trying to attack my daughter, and I was holding her. As a result, I stepped in, broke up a fight, held the kid -- I basically had her in a bear hug from behind, trying to retain her from attacking (my daughter). She lost all composure and was out of control," Freeman said.

A mother from another team witnessed the fight, and told police she heard the accuser tell Freeman to get off of her, and witnessed the girl punch Freeman. Then, when the two made it back to their feet, the mother said Freeman grabbed the girl again, and slammed her back to the ground.

Freeman said it was the girl who was the aggressor, and as a result, broke loose and both of them fell to the ground.

"That's how the kid got those scratches. It wasn't from me picking her up and throwing her to the ground and grabbing her by the throat," Freeman said.

Despite being arrested, Freeman says he's innocent, and prosecutors have confirmed he won't be charged.

"I don't really care what you say about me, because I know what happened. I know what I did. I know what happened. I did nothing," Freeman said.