"This is wrong on all fronts": Urban Meyer sounds off on Ohio State after their Michigan altercation goes viral
The Michigan Wolverines had the final laugh after they defeated the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes last Saturday in "The Game" at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 30. Both teams engaged in a brawl after Michigan tried to celebrate their seventh win of the season by attempting to plant their school flag in the middle of the field. Former Buckeyes' coach Urban Meyer gave his thoughts on the altercation during "The Triple Option" podcast Tuesday.
Michigan (7-5, 5-4 Big Ten) won 13-10 against Ohio State (10-2, 7-2) after kicker Dominic Zvada scored a field goal in the fourth quarter. The Wolverines now have a four-year winning streak over their rivals. The team tried to plant their flag on the field, which led to Ohio State and Michigan players clashing at the 50-yard line.
Local officers had to get involved to stop the altercation, including using pepper spray on players to separate them. ABCNews' Julia Reinstein reported on Dec. 1 police union president Brian Steel said one responding officer was trampled in the incident and was taken to the hospital.
Meyer felt both teams should have left the field after the game.
"The greatest part of winning is celebrating with your brothers. Where? In the locker room and so this is wrong on all fronts. Ohio State needed to sing their alma mater and, get in the locker room and go figure out how to win the next one. A playoff game and to me the Wolverines had a responsibility to celebrate with your fans and your teammates and get into the locker room. Get off the field."
"It's time to go fight them": Urban Meyer explains why he would be disappointed if Ohio State didn't retaliate against Michigan
Meyer also said that he would've been disappointed if Ohio State had not retaliated after Michigan actions.
"Ohio State turned and charged them. Was that wrong? Absolutely wrong and I mean, that's criminal. That's called assault. In the real world, you can't do that. So it's wrong on all fronts, but I also, I'd be disappointed in my team if I'm standing there and you see your arch-rival go and do something on your field. It's time to go fight them. That's what you do."
Meyer believes the incident was unfortunate, and the NCAA should take action to prevent it from happening again.