Hugh Freeze comments on situation between Michael Oher, Tuohy family

The Blind Side has been back in the headlines recently. Michael Oher has filed lawsuits against the Tuohy family, claiming he has not received any money from the movie. He also said there was never a legal adoption and instead, was forced to sign papers for a conservatorship.

Outside of the Tuohy family, Hugh Freeze was another person that played a big part in Oher’s life. He coached the future NFL offensive tackle in high school before the two were at Ole Miss together. Oher was playing while Freeze became the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator.

When asked about the situation between Oher and the Tuohy family during his Thursday press conference, Freeze called it “sad.” Freeze admitted he is not too knowledgeable on the process of adoption but did say the story was made due to the Tuohys taking Oher into their home.

“I love Michael Oher,” Freeze said via Justin Ferguson of the Auburn Observer. “He’s like part of our family. I love the Tuohys. I think it’s sad and I certainly don’t claim to understand all the ins and outs of adoption, conservatory, all of that. But I know what I witnessed, and I witnessed a family that totally took in a young man. And I think without that, there is no story.”

Freeze has a deep relationship with both sides.

Oher attended Ole Miss out of Memphis (TN) Briarcrest Christian where Freeze was the head coach for nearly a decade. He was promoted after previously being the offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Freeze was at Ole Miss not too long after, getting his start with the Rebels in 2006.

And then as Freeze mentioned, he has a great relationship with the Tuohys. The son, SJ, worked at Liberty as the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations during the 2020 season. The Flames achieved the program’s best-ever record with 10 wins and just one loss.

Freeze believes all of the facts will eventually be revealed but once again praise the Tuohys for going out and accepting Oher into their home.

“Whatever happens will happen, of course,” Freeze said. “The facts will come out. But, you know, I love both sides of it. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy did something that most families… a lot of us talk about doing things, but they actually put the shoes on and pulled the boots up and got in the arena and did something. I think that’s admirable.”