There is a great deal of rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, so when the two colleges play each other, the students from Michigan and Ohio State call it “the game” of the football season.

The rivalry between the two schools has been a prolonged rivalry and is rumored to have started in 1897 after the Toledo War. However, many did not think the rivalry was a big deal until Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 when a major brawl broke out between Ohio and Michigan State University at the end of a football game.

During Ohio’s “Carmen Ohio” alma song, which is played after every game, several Michigan players made the decision to attempt to plant a flag on Ohio’s field with just 45 seconds remaining in the game’s regulation. The flag on the field was the last straw for Ohio State who were already irritated with Michigan after the Michigan coach was seen waving goodbye to numerous Ohio State supporters and making early celebration gestures.

The brawl consisted of both teams running to the field, shoving, hitting, and throwing helmets at each other. Coaches and many members on the sideline tried to interfere and stop the players, but it proved difficult with all the heated emotions on the field. Ohio State University made a statement confirming that one police officer was injured and taken to the hospital.

The game caught the attention of many people after rumors of the police department being involved and the use of pepper spray being used on both teams. Many people think that pepper spraying was an extreme police tactic, and some question if it was racially motivated.

Following all of this, it is reported that the Big Ten, a college sporting association, will fine the institutions $100,000 for breaking their sportsmanship code. The conference deems the two institutions’ actions to be inappropriate and lacks sportsmanship.

Many people aren’t sure if the game’s punishment is severe enough. While some think the sentence is appropriate, others think Michigan should have received a larger fine. What do you think?