If Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams has his way, teams thinking of planting their flags at Ohio Stadium will be facing more than just the usual post-game tension. The O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act, introduced by Williams, seeks to make flag planting at the heart of Buckeyes football a felony.
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This bill, inspired by the infamous Michigan flag-planting incident after a Nov. 30 win over Ohio State, comes in response to a rivalry clash that saw players, staff, and law enforcement tangled up in a brawl. Police had to use pepper spray to separate the teams, while an officer was injured in the fray.
Williams, who's lived through the rivalry himself, described the situation as "a true safety hazard" for everyone involved. "To see [the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry] devolve to this level, it just disrespects not only the institution but the programs themselves," Williams said. "More importantly, it put law enforcement, student-athletes, and fans at risk."
According to the bill, anyone caught planting a flagpole with a flag at Ohio Stadium on game day would face a fifth-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, a fine of $2,500, or five years of probation. A far cry from the fines the Big Ten slapped on both Ohio State and Michigan for the incident—$100,000 each—which Williams described as "pennies, that's nothing."
Williams, who represents Ohio's 41st district near Toledo, sees this bill as a message: If universities or sorts institutions aren't taking this seriously, then the law will step in. "I think we need a criminal penalty because those who cross state lines and break university policies aren't facing any real consequences," he said.
It's clear that Williams isn't backing down, either. "This is a shot across the bow," he says, signaling that if the issue isn't addressed, he'll reintroduce the bill in the next legislative cycle. Rivalries are one thing, but when they turn into safety hazards, it's time for a serious conversation—one Williams seems determined to have.
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