Following a post-game brawl after Michigan's narrow victory over Ohio State, Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act, aiming to prohibit flag planting on the Ohio State football field. This new legislation has drawn criticism from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce.
On their podcast, "New Heights," Jason Kelce expressed his disapproval, calling the bill "petty" and questioning its necessity. He argued that such matters should be handled by the NCAA, not state representatives, and went on to criticize the bill's potential consequences, suggesting the possibility of arrests for such actions.
Travis Kelce also voiced his concerns, stating that the bill didn't align with the tough image he associated with the Ohio State Buckeyes. While acknowledging the importance of sportsmanship, he questioned the extent of the bill's reach.
Jason further criticized the bill as "posturing" and "petty," arguing that such incidents, while sometimes excessive, are part of what makes rivalries exciting. He recalled the brawl, which involved pepper spray deployment by officers, affecting several Michigan players.
Williams, however, defended the bill on social media, emphasizing the need to prevent violent behavior and protect law enforcement. Planting a flag at midfield at Ohio State is now a felony, and both universities involved were fined $100,000 by the Big Ten Conference for violating sportsmanship policies.
