Ohio Lawmaker Getting Crushed For Proposing Flag-Planting Bill
12/11/2024 11:13 AM
It's safe to say that Ohio residents are still highly salty over the Ohio State Buckeyes' loss to Michigan last month. But one lawmaker is apparently so bent out of shape over the post-game flag planting that he's proposing legislation against it.
According to On3 Sports, Ohio State Representative Josh Williams recently introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act. The proposed law would make it a felony offense to plant a flag in the center of Ohio Stadium - as Michigan did at the end of their win over the Buckeyes.
On3 noted that the bill has very little chance of actually going into law. House Speaker Jason Stephens explained that the state general assembly wraps up in a week and will need to be reintroduced at a much later date if it isn't passed.
"Well, it's not gonna have time to be passed, you know, this late in the game," Stephens joked.
NEW: Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams, introduced the O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act Tuesday...
— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2024
The act would make it a felony offense to plant a flag in the center of Ohio Stadium💀https://t.co/xSOlfTe033pic.twitter.com/R2mm4Bpexw
But while Williams may just be trying to get a little bit of extra publicity out of a bad situation for the Buckeyes, football fans are not in the least bit amused. Many have taken to social media to absolutely rip the lawmaker for trying to turn a simple act of gamesmanship into an actual felony:
"Let's just replace the American flag with the hammer and sickle while we're at it," one user mocked.
Let's just replace the American flag with the hammer and sickle while we're at it https://t.co/X8GdTHnMWQ
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) December 11, 2024
"A felony to show the other team who their daddy is? Seems excessive. How about quit playing football if you don't like a little gamesmanship," wrote another.
A felony to show the other team who their daddy is? Seems excessive. How about quit playing football if you don't like a little gamesmanship.
— 𝐃𝐁 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝕋𝕏 (@DBCooperTX) December 11, 2024
"If this bill becomes law, then the Wolverines should be a Wolverine statue and leave it at midfield in 2026. It's not a flag," a Michigan fan suggested.
If this bil becomes law, then the Wolverines should be a Wolverine statue and leave it at midfield in 2026. It's not a flag.
— mwolverine2000 (@BBissonnette24) December 11, 2024
"Do I think it should be illegal to be a "Michigan football player?" Yes, that is a deeply evil thing to be. Do I also think Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams is the most embarrassing politician in a state full of embarrassing politicians for even thinking this? Also yes.," a fourth declared.
Do I think it should be illegal to be a "Michigan football player?" Yes, that is a deeply evil thing to be.
— Not A Basketball Fan (@drewhamm5) December 11, 2024
Do I also think Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams is the most embarrassing politician in a state full of embarrassing politicians for even thinking this? Also yes. https://t.co/rFR2hahS8v
This seems more like one of those bills that belongs in the shredder rather than a legislature's desk.
Related: Lawmaker Wants Flag Planting To Be Illegal After Ohio State, Michigan Brawl
