Ohio Lawmaker Wants To Make Flag Planting A Felony After The Game Brawl
In the aftermath of a post-game brawl that marred the Ohio State-Michigan football game last November, an Ohio lawmaker has introduced a bill to make it a felony to plant a flag on the field of play. The bill, which was introduced by State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), would make it a fourth-degree felony to “enter onto the playing field of a sporting event without authorization and plant a flag or other symbol of allegiance on the field.” The bill defines “playing field” as “the area of a sports facility that is used for the playing of a sporting event.” if passed, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2024.
The Brawl
The brawl that prompted the introduction of the bill occurred on November 26, 2022, after the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 45-23 in Columbus. As the Michigan players were celebrating their victory, a group of Ohio State fans ran onto the field and planted a Buckeyes flag in the middle of the field. A fight between the fans and the Michigan players ensued, and several people were injured. The brawl was condemned by both Ohio State and Michigan officials, and the Big Ten Conference suspended several players from both teams.
Stewart’s Bill
Stewart’s bill is designed to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. In a statement, Stewart said that the brawl “was a disgrace to the game of football and to the state of Ohio.” He added that the bill “will help to ensure that our sporting events are safe and enjoyable for everyone.” The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some people support the bill, arguing that it is necessary to deter fans from entering the field of play and causing trouble. Others oppose the bill, arguing that it is too harsh and that it will only serve to increase tensions between rival fans.
Other Perspectives
In addition to Stewart’s bill, there are other proposals to address the issue of fans entering the field of play. The Big Ten Conference has proposed a rule that would allow teams to forfeit games if their fans enter the field of play. The NCAA has also proposed a rule that would allow officials to eject fans who enter the field of play. It is unclear whether either of these proposals will be adopted.
Conclusion
The issue of fans entering the field of play is a complex one. There is no easy solution, and any solution that is adopted will likely be controversial. Stewart’s bill is a step in the right direction, but it is only one part of the solution. The Big Ten Conference and the NCAA must also do their part to address the issue. Ultimately, it is up to the fans to behave responsibly and to respect the game of football.
