COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Big Ten Conference has issued a $100,000 fine to both Ohio State and Michigan after fights broke out on the field after the game Saturday afternoon.
In a statement posted on their website, the Big Ten said they determined that the actions of both teams "violated the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy."
"Not only did the actions of both teams violate fundamental elements of sportsmanship such as respect and civility, the nature of the incident also jeopardized the safety of participants and bystanders," the Big Ten wrote.
Ohio State Athletics spokesperson Jerry Emig said the university respects the Big Ten's decision to impose the fine.
"We respect the Big Ten Conference’s decision in this matter. What happened post-game yesterday was unfortunate. 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," Emig said.
The incident came after the Buckeyes' 13-10 loss to Michigan. While Ohio State players were trying to sing "Carmen Ohio" at the south end of the stadium, multiple Wolverines carried out a Michigan flag to midfield and tried to plant it on the Block O.
When Ohio State players saw this happening, they ran over and attempted to prevent the Michigan players from planting the flag, resulting in fights across midfield.
At one point, Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer was able to grab the flag and rip it off the pole before walking away.
The fights were eventually broken up and the players separated.
Ohio State police confirmed that during the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 President Lt. Brian Steel said an Ohio State officer was injured and transported to the hospital. They have since been released.
In his postgame press conference, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood his players' actions.
“There are some prideful guys on our team who weren't going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said.