Flag-Planting Celebrations Ignite Brawls Across College Football Rivalry Weekend

Postgame flag-planting incidents at multiple college football games led to fights, coach apologies, and calls for stricter regulations.

Flag-planting celebrations after rivalry games caused physical altercations at several college football stadiums, including Ohio State, Florida State, UNC, and Arizona.
Michigan's attempt to plant a flag at Ohio Stadium after defeating Ohio State escalated into a brawl requiring police intervention and the use of pepper spray.
Florida Gators coach Billy Napier apologized after his players' flag-planting at Florida State's field led to heated exchanges with Seminoles players and coaches.
UNC wide receiver JJ Jones intercepted NC State's flag-planting attempt, sparking confrontations during a game that marked Mack Brown's final outing as Tar Heels coach.
Coaches and commentators are calling for stricter rules to address unsportsmanlike conduct, as flag-planting increasingly provokes postgame violence.