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Big Ten fines Ohio State football, Michigan $100k each for postgame fight
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- Big Ten fines Ohio State football, Michigan $100k each for postgame fight
The Big Ten has fined Ohio State and Michigan $100,000 apiece for each team's role in the fight that broke out following the Wolverines' 13-10 upset of the Buckeyes , the conference announced Sunday.
After Michigan's victory was secured, the Wolverines tried to plant the Michigan flag on the Block O at midfield. Ohio State's players and coaches were gathered near the South Stands to sing "Carmen Ohio," which is the tradition after a game.
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But when the Buckeyes saw the flag-planting attempt, they raced to confront Michigan players. Pushing and shoving ensued. OSU defensive end Jack Sawyer ripped the flag from its pole.
Police used pepper spray in an attempt to stop the melee. A Columbus police officer was injured.
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The Big Ten said the fight violates "fundamental elements of sportsmanship such as respect and civility. The nature of the incident also jeopardized the safety of participants and bystanders." It added that the matter is closed. It did not issue discipline to players.
Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes fight following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.
More: Ohio State football's latest loss to Michigan most shocking yet: Analysis
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In a statement issued in response, Ohio State said it respected the conference's decision.
"What happened post-game yesterday was unfortunate," it read. "Good sportsmanship is always important in everything we do at Ohio State. Moving forward, we will continue to examine and address our post-game protocols to ensure our student-athletes, coaches, visiting teams and staff safely exit the field."
Ohio State coach Ryan Day was asked about the fight in his postgame press conference.
"I don't know all the details of it," Day said. "But I know that these guys put a flag on our field, and our guys weren't going to let that happen.
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More: It might feel like it after upset to Michigan, but all is not lost for Ohio State football
"I'll find out exactly what happened. But this is our field, and certainly we're embarrassed that we lost the game, but there's some prideful guys in his team that we're just going to let that happen."
Ohio State lost for the fourth straight time to the Wolverines and will not get a chance to play for the Big Ten title next Saturday.
The Buckeyes are almost a lock to make the 12-team College Football Playoff, which will be announced next Sunday.
This story was updated to include a statement from Ohio State.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State and Michigan fined $100k each by Big Ten
