Marcus Freeman clarifies comments on academics: 'I would never disrespect Ohio State'
Marcus Freeman made waves when he tried to discuss the academics at Notre Dame with other universities, including his alma mater of Ohio State.
In an interview with CBS, Freeman pointed to the type of player the Irish are interested in, particularly pointing to athletes who value an academic degree at Notre Dame. In the process, he said Irish athletes are “forced every day to go to class” as opposed to “take some online classes, show up for your appointments” at other places.
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On Wednesday, Freeman tried to clarify those remarks and apologize for the perceived disrespect. Freeman said he was trying to note the differences in student bodies from Notre Dame to Ohio State and the fact that flexible online options are not available for the Irish.
Freeman also said fellow Buckeye James Laurinaitis was the first one to alert him to the buzz:
#NotreDame coach Marcus Freeman on 97.1 The Fan radio, clarifying comments to CBS about academics between Notre Dame and Ohio State. “I would never disrespect Ohio State. I would never say you don’t go to class … and disrespect my alma mater.”
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) June 15, 2022
Freeman said Notre Dame graduate assistant James Laurinaitis, the former Ohio State star and Freeman’s teammate at OSU, first alerted him about his academics quote creating buzz/controversy.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) June 15, 2022
It will be interesting to see how Freeman’s explanation goes over in Columbus.