Marcus Freeman Kicked Out of Ohio State Group Chat

By | Niranjan Bhargav 23 Sep, 2023

Marcus Freeman will have another chance to demolish his old school on Saturday when Notre Dame hosts Ohio State.

From 2006 through 2008, the head coach had 264 tackles as a Buckeyes linebacker. While he maintains contact with his old teammates, they are keeping a respectful distance this week.

On Saturday, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to South Bend, Indiana, to face the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in what will be their toughest match of the season.

Head coach Marcus Freeman, whom Buckeyes may recall from the early 2000s, leads the Fighting Irish from the sidelines. Freeman played linebacker at Ohio State with some of the school’s all-time greats, including Bobby Carpenter.

Carpenter claimed he, Freeman, and the rest of the linebackers communicate via a group text string, but they had to impose a one-week suspension on one of them ahead of this week’s game.

“We’ve got one, just the three of us who were all seniors, and we have one with James (Laurinaitis),” Carpenter explained. “There was one with Marcus in it, but you’ve got to get him out of there this week.”

A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegel are two more former Ohio State linebackers who have participated in these group conversations.

Carpenter did commend Freeman during the same chat with On3’s Andy Staples, stating his ex-defensive partner’s physical condition since becoming a coach is more than amazing.

“When he first came to Ohio State, he always had weight issues,” Carpenter said. “When I look at him now, I think, ‘Marcus, man, this new spelled version of you.'” ‘I’m quite proud and amazed.'”
Carpenter and the rest of Freeman’s aforementioned former colleagues have been rooting for him and the Fighting Irish all season except this week.

“Except for the game against Ohio State,” Carpenter remarked, “I want him to win every game.” “I wish Marcus the best of luck.”