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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Ohio lawmaker wants to make it a FELONY to plant a flag at Ohio State’s stadium

Michigan v Ohio State
Michigan v Ohio State
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

When the going gets tough, the petty start crying. Ohio Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township introduced House Bill 700 the “O.H.I.O Sportsmanship Act” on Tuesday hoping to make it illegal to plant a flag in Ohio Stadium. Seriously.

The wording of the bill singles out Ohio State’s home as the only hallowed ground the receive the benefit, reading:

“To prohibit planting a flagpole and flag in the center of the Ohio Stadium football field on the day of a college football game and to name this act the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act.”

It comes after Michigan’s win over the Buckeyes which led to an on-field brawl when Michigan players attempted to plant a flag at midfield.

The bill not only makes planting a flag against the law, but renders it a Fifth Degree Felony. This is the least-severe felony charge in Ohio, but is still reserved for legitimate crimes like breaking and entering, or theft with a value of more than $1,000. The punishment for these crimes range from six months to a year in prison, or five years of community service.

Apparently Rep. Williams thinks this is also fit for taunting in a sports game. Something that happens all over the country during rivalry week.

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