Indiana's Tom Allen emotional when asked about Hugh Freeze situation
For most of B1G Media Days, newly-appointed Indiana head coach Tom Allen came across as confident, optimistic and energetic. It was his first time at the conference’s annual event but he handled it like a seasoned veteran.
But then, with one question, all of that went away.
According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, Allen appeared emotional after he was asked about the scandal involving his former boss and longtime friend, Hugh Freeze.
From Dodd:
“No words. Shocked. He’s a friend,” Allen said Monday at the Big Ten Media Days as his eyes began to tear up and he lowered his head. “I know his family well. Thoughts and prayers for them. My heart breaks. I’ll pray for him.”
Allen served on Freeze’s staff at three different stops, including Ole Miss from 2012 through 2014, serving as the linebackers and special teams coach for the Rebels. Allen departed for USF in 2015 before taking over the defensive coordinator position at Indiana last season.
This will be his first season as a head coach at the college level.
Freeze resigned from his post at Ole Miss after the university discovered a call to an escort service. The school also commented that there had been a pattern of misconduct relating to Freeze.
Allen has not been contacted about any allegations involving Ole Miss during the Freeze era.
You can read Dodd’s full article on Allen’s comments about the situation here.