Baker Mayfield has once again sparked controversy, but this time, it’s not about his own actions. The Buccaneers quarterback weighed in on the growing debate surrounding flag-planting incidents that led to chaos across college football over the weekend.
In a heated showdown between Michigan and Ohio State, tensions boiled over when Michigan players planted their flag on the Buckeyes’ logo after a decisive win. The gesture ignited a physical brawl, prompting police to intervene with pepper spray. But Michigan wasn’t alone-similar incidents erupted in matchups like North Carolina vs. NC State, Arizona State vs. Arizona, and Florida vs. Florida State, leaving fans and analysts divided.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes game ends with a massive brawl on the field and multiple players involved
Mayfield, no stranger to flag-planting drama after his infamous celebration at Ohio State in 2017 with Oklahoma, didn’t shy away from sharing his perspective.
Mayfield’s take on the tradition
After leading the Buccaneers to a narrow 26-23 victory over the Panthers on Sunday, Mayfield was asked about the recent wave of college football confrontations tied to flag-planting celebrations.
“It happens every year. OU-Texas does it every time they play. You win, you lose-you move on,” Mayfield said, dismissively. “I’ll leave it at that.”
When pressed about whether the NCAA should consider banning flag-planting celebrations altogether, Mayfield doubled down on his stance.
“College football is about rivalries,” he said. “Banning something like that? It’s like trying to outlaw the ‘horns down’ sign in the Big 12. Just let them play.”
Mayfield’s comments added fuel to the fire, with some applauding his defense of tradition and others calling for greater accountability. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, however, took a starkly different position.
Herbstreit, a vocal critic of the weekend’s events, called for disciplinary action against players who escalated postgame conflicts. “Conference commissioners need to study the footage and take action,” Herbstreit argued. “Suspend those involved in escalating these fights, whether it’s for a bowl game or a playoff. They need consequences-for their own good!”
The escalating debate leaves the NCAA at a crossroads. Will they crack down on provocative postgame celebrations, or will traditions like flag-planting continue to spark both passion and controversy in college football?
The aftermath of the weekend’s chaos has fans questioning whether the spirit of rivalry has gone too far-or if fiery gestures like flag-planting are simply part of what makes college football electric. For now, the debate rages on, with Mayfield standing firmly on the side of tradition.
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