COLUMBUS, Ohio — A fight broke out at Ohio Stadium after Ohio State‘s loss as Michigan players tried to plant a flag at midfield.
The Buckeyes were trying to sing “Carmen Ohio” at the south end of the stadium, a post-game tradition, as multiple Wolverines carried out a Michigan flag to midfield and tried to plant it on the Block O.
Essentially, the entire Ohio State team took exception and a brawl broke out between dozens of players.
At one point, Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer was able to grab the flag and rip it off the pole before walking away.
The fight was eventually broken up and the players separated.
Ohio State police confirmed that during the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. Ohio State police will continue to investigate the matter.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 President Lt. Brian Steel said an Ohio State officer was injured and transported to the hospital. They have since been released.
On Sunday, the Big Ten Conference announced that they issued a $100,000 fine to both Ohio State and Michigan after they determined that the actions of both teams “violated the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy.”
The brawl came after a hard-fought and emotional 13-10 loss for Ohio State. Will Howard threw two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field goals, one of which was from a short distance.
In his postgame press conference, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood his players’ actions.
“There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said.
The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it.
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said both teams could have handled the situation differently.
“So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.”