Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams Introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act After a Brawl Between Michigan and Ohio State
Ohio State Representative Josh Williams recently introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act in an attempt to curb flag planting attempts during college football games. The bill prohibits planting a flagpole and flag in the center of the Ohio State football field on the day of a college football game and aims to promote sportsmanship.
The bill comes after a brawl broke out between Michigan and Ohio State players after a game in December. Jason Kelce, an ESPN personality and former Philadelphia Eagles center, expressed his disapproval of the bill, saying it was “soft” and “petty.” He also stated that the issue was for the NCAA to determine, not an Ohio state representative.
Travis Kelce, Jason’s brother and a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, also criticized the bill, saying it was not necessary and that he didn’t want to “s— on anybody.” He added that he understood the premise of the bill, but thought it was going too far.
Both schools were fined $100,000 by the Big Ten Conference for violating its sportsmanship policy following the brawl. Ohio State police also deployed pepper spray during the melee, leaving multiple Michigan players rubbing their eyes.
Ohio State Representative Josh Williams stated that he was “proud” to introduce the bill, saying that “behavior that incites violent brawls and puts our law enforcement officers in danger has no place on the football field.” The bill is currently being reviewed and debated.
