Ohio State players get into fight after Michigan plants flag at Ohio Stadium
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Michigan players planted their team flag at midfield of Ohio Stadium on Saturday afternoon after a 13-10 win over No. 2 Ohio State, leading to a brawl between players from both teams with police attempting to separate the sides and pepper spray being used.
According to videos shot of the incident, including by NBC4, Michigan players were gathering at midfield after time expired. With encouragement from teammates, offensive lineman Raheem Anderson and running back Terrence Dunlap planted the flag and were immediately met by Ohio State players, who had been with the marching band for the traditional singing of Carmen Ohio after every home football game.
Warning: Video may contain graphic language; viewer discretion is advised
Players and others began scuffling, with police attempting to separate the sides. A fight for control of the flag began, with Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer, who made a goal-line interception of Davis Warren during the fourth quarter, ripping it from its pole and throwing it to the field.
Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun collected it and attempted to walk away with it before a person in Michigan gear went to reclaim it, leading to more scuffling.
"We planted the flag. Next thing you know, everybody's getting rushed," Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart said. "They had their whole team there, so there was a lot of them. Next thing you know, we're all getting pepper-sprayed."
Television footage showed Michigan players Tavierre Dunlap and Jason Hewlett wiping their eyes, and at least one person on the sideline from NBC4 was affected by it, too. One Ohio State police officer was injured and taken to a hospital, the university confirmed.
In his postgame news conference, Ohio State coach Ryan Day had few details and didn't immediately know if any players were hurt.
“I know those guys were looking to put a flag on the field, and our guys weren’t going to let that happen,” Day said.
Watch: Ohio State's Ryan Day on postgame brawl
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said he discussed his team's behavior in the locker room.
"We've got to do a better job of handling that, as a group," he said.
Ohio State said its police department would lead the investigation into the incident. There was no immediate comment from the Big Ten, which could issue discipline such as player suspensions.
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork declined to comment.
The win was Michigan's fourth straight in the series, with Ohio State's last win coming in 2019. The Buckeyes dropped to 10-2 and out of the running for a spot in the Big Ten championship game, which will take place next Saturday in Indianapolis between No. 1 Oregon and No. 4 Penn State.
The Buckeyes remain in strong contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, the first year it has been expanded to include 12 teams. The bracket will be revealed on Dec. 8, with Ohio State's next game likely to be in the first round of the playoff on Dec. 20 or 21, perhaps back at Ohio Stadium.
Michigan improved to 7-5 and will next play in a nonplayoff bowl game.