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The wild melee that broke out after Michigan beat Ohio State on the road sparked plenty of discourse concerning whether or not the NCAA should ban the practice of flag-planting to prevent similar incidents from unfolding in the future. However, one politician in The Buckeye State is taking matters into their own hand in an attempt to literally outlaw the move.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day had a 1-3 record against the Michigan Wolverines prior to the most recent installment of their hallowed rivalry, but all signs pointed to him adding a second tally to the win column against a 6-5 squad that headed into the showdown in Columbus as 20.5-point underdogs.
However, Michigan flipped the script in a big way with a stunning 13-10 upset in front of the 106,005 fans who’d gathered at The Horseshoe for The Game, and we were treated to a chaotic scene that led to multiple players being maced after the Wolverines attempted to plant a Michigan flag in the Ohio State logo in the middle of the field.
We were predictably treated to plenty of hand-wringing and pearl-clutching courtesy of people who bemoaned the death of sportsmanship and the lack of the almighty Class that the Wolverines failed to display in the wake of their unexpected victory over their mortal foe.
However, I’d argue flag-planting expert Baker Mayfield did the best job summing up the situation while suggesting the NCAA would be foolish to take steps to crack down on the practice.
Only time will tell if the governing body opts to do exactly that, but according to the Port Clinton News Herald, a lawmaker in Ohio has taken it upon themselves to try to make Ohio Stadium a Flag Planting-Free Zone.
The outlet reports State Rep. Josh Williams (a Republican representing Sylvania Township) has introduced House Bill 700—dubbed the “O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act”—in the hopes of protecting the sacred turf at THE Ohio State University from any flag-related violations.
The meat of the bill in question states:
“No person shall plant a flagpole with a flag attached to it in the center of the football field at Ohio Stadium of the Ohio State University on the day of a college football competition, whether before, during, or after the competition.”
Anyone who commits that truly heinous act would be charged with a fifth-degree felony, which is punishable by between six to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
If this smells like a stunt, that’s probably because it is one, as House Speaker Jason Stephens told the News Herald the bill is unlikely to be considered before the current legislative session wraps up this month.