Disrespecting the Sport
NCAA Should Ban Flag Planting
Celebrations have quickly turned into disrespectful actions, especially during rivalry week. Once a year, collegiate football teams clash with their rival, deciding which team has bragging rights until their next matchup. Rivalry week is the most important week for most teams, despising the other team, fanbase and culture. This week is usually filled with celebration and disappointment; however, during rivalry week of the 2024 college football season, the victorious team has planted their flag into their rivals midfield logo, creating incidents that disrespect the sport. These recent actions have raised questions if the NCAA should ban flag planting to generate greater sportsmanship on and off the field, especially by preventing fights.
“It is extremely disrespectful to the other team and organization,” senior Ryder Marks said. “You know how you would if your rival did that to you, so I think it should come to an end.”
During the Michigan vs. Ohio State game, a Wolverine player attempted to plant a flag into the Ohio State logo, which led to pushing, shoving and punching. After several minutes and dozens of injuries, the police and security separated the two teams using pepper spray.
Shortly after, University of North Carolina (UNC) and North Carolina (NC) State got into a similar scuffle when a Wolfpack player planted their flag into the UNC logo. While no punches were thrown, this caused confrontations on the field, with players eventually being separated by the staff.
“As we saw last weekend, there was so much fighting that was not needed,” senior Adam Bailey said. “I understand the players are hyped after getting a big win, but the amount of fighting and unsportsmanlike activities coming after the game is bad for the sport.”
Hitting close to home, the Florida State and Florida game ensued in chaos after a Florida player pinned the Gator flag on Florida State’s logo. The incident, much like that of UNC and NC State, had no punches thrown but still created pure disrespect against the game.
Flag planting is entirely unprofessional, and many young fans view certain players as their role models. When these role models disrespect their team, name, college and the sport, fans may begin to lose respect for not only the player but also the sport.
However, many argue that the losing teams need to learn how to deal with losses and accept the fact that they got out played. In the Texas vs. Oklahoma game, the winner has planted their logo onto the logo for years, which has deepened their rivalry and the excitement of the sport. That said, even though this intensity highlights the passion for college football, teams need to learn how to compete against each other while remaining respectful.
Overall, the NCAA needs to ban flag planting to avoid further incidents, unsportsmanlike acts and a bad reputation. There are numerous ways teams can celebrate beating their rival without disrespecting their opponent, fanbase, team and the athletic department.
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