The chaos that ensued after the Michigan-Ohio State game in November left many questioning the actions of law enforcement officials involved in breaking up the on-field brawl. Videos and images of players and bystanders reeling from pepper spray went viral, sparking outrage and debate. Reviews by two Ohio agencies have now shed light on the justifications behind the use of pepper spray during the incident, providing a fuller picture of the postgame chaos that marred the end of the Wolverines’ 13-10 win at Ohio State.
Unraveling the Details of the Brawl
The scuffle began when Michigan players attempted to plant a school flag at the center of Ohio Stadium, a move that sparked a series of confrontations with law enforcement. As tensions escalated, one police officer suffered a head injury in the ensuing melee before the teams were finally separated. The review by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the use of pepper spray, with conflicting accounts of which agency initiated the action.
One version of events suggested that an officer from the University of Michigan Police Department deployed the spray due to “imminent/immediate officer safety” concerns, while another account indicated that a Franklin County deputy used it almost simultaneously. Detective Douglas Cunningham of The Ohio State University Police Division described the challenges faced by law enforcement in controlling the aggressive and combative crowd of highly trained Division One football athletes.
Cunningham’s report detailed the struggles of officers trying to regain order in the face of overwhelming size, strength, and numbers on the part of the players. His decision to use a short burst of pepper spray was based on the need to gain compliance from the surging crowd, a sentiment echoed by department officials who deemed the action reasonable. Despite the difficulties faced by law enforcement in the chaotic aftermath of the game, the review concluded that most of the actions taken were appropriate given the circumstances.
Justifications and Consequences
Lt. Shawn Pak’s account of a tense encounter with a 300-plus-pound lineman illustrated the challenges faced by officers in maintaining control. Pak’s use of a Taser, though ultimately unnecessary, was deemed justified in the review. Similarly, Deputy Thomas Bellamy’s strike and use of pepper spray on a Michigan player standing over an Ohio State police officer were determined to be appropriate actions in the chaotic environment.
While the review acknowledged the justification behind these actions, it also highlighted lapses in protocol, such as failing to disclose the use of force and activate body cameras. Bellamy received a written reprimand for these oversights, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement responses to such incidents. The consequences of the brawl extended beyond the immediate aftermath, with one fan, Abraham Clark, facing criminal trespassing charges for his role in the incident.
The Big Ten’s decision to fine both teams $100,000 for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy underscored the gravity of the situation, though no players were suspended as a result of the incident. As the legal proceedings for Clark’s case continue, the fallout from the brawl serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of unchecked emotions and escalating tensions in high-stakes sporting events.
In the wake of the Michigan-Ohio State brawl, the reviews conducted by Ohio agencies have provided valuable insights into the justifications behind the use of pepper spray and other tactics employed by law enforcement officials. While the chaotic nature of the postgame altercation presented unique challenges, the reviews emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to protocols in such situations. As the fallout from the incident continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism in the face of heightened emotions and volatile circumstances.
