Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Felony Charge for Flag Planting at Ohio Stadium

The bill follows a brawl after Michigan's win over Ohio State and aims to address safety concerns and sportsmanship violations.

Republican state Rep. Josh Williams introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act, which would make flag planting at Ohio Stadium a fifth-degree felony.
The proposed legislation comes after Michigan players attempted to plant a flag at midfield following their victory over Ohio State, leading to a brawl involving players and police intervention.
Violators of the proposed law could face six to 12 months in prison, a $2,500 fine, and up to five years of probation.
Both Ohio State and Michigan were fined $100,000 by the Big Ten for their roles in the altercation, which also resulted in an officer's injury.
The bill is unlikely to pass this legislative session due to timing, but Williams has expressed intent to reintroduce it in the future.