Maybe Ohio State and Michigan fans can get along.
*ducks*
While there has seldom been more tension in the greatest rivalry in all of sport, both Buckeye and Wolverine supporters have united this week to roast Josh Williams, an Ohio lawmaker who introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act on Tuesday. The act, also labeled as House Bill 700, would "prohibit planting a flagpole and flag in the center of the Ohio Stadium football field on the day of a college football game." Violators of the act would receive a felony charge.
I am proud to introduce the O.H.I.O Sportsmanship Act to make flag planting at midfield a felony in the state of Ohio.
— Representative Josh Williams (@JoshWilliamsOH) December 11, 2024
Behavior that incites violent brawls and puts our law enforcement officers in danger has no place on the football field.
pic.twitter.com/C6niqlkiWE
Williams' bill came nine days after the Wolverines attempted to plant a flag inside Ohio Stadium following their 13-10 win over the Buckeyes. Ohio State retaliated to Michigan's actions and a melee ensued at midfield. Both schools received $100,000 fines for their roles in the brawl, but no players received suspensions.
Since Tuesday, Williams' bill has been criticized by Ohio State and Michigan fans, with members of the former calling it "embarrassing" and members of the latter calling it soft.
Well this is embarrassing
— Woody (@woodyVSworld) December 11, 2024
As an Ohio State fan, I rebuke this
— Mekka Don (@MekkaDonMusic) December 11, 2024
Ohio State saw Texas try to ban horns down and said oh no, were softer than that
— JT (@JtDirtyBirdy) December 11, 2024
It should be a felony to lose to Michigan four times in a row - especially with a $20 million roster
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) December 11, 2024
Ohio State and Michigan weren't the only teams to fight over flag planting on Nov. 30. NC State and North Carolina brawled over a similar incident, as did Florida and Florida State. The Arizona and Arizona State game also ended in controversy, as members of the Sun Devils planted a pitchfork into the Block A at the center of Arizona Stadium.
