Storyline: Athletes shouldn’t get in physical engagements with fans post-game. Fans should leave athletes alone, especially after a loss.
It’s one of the best college football rivalries, Michigan-Ohio State. This battle is always one of tension, grit, and especially emotion. This one, played last Saturday, was no different.
It’s “The Game,” OSU-Michigan (photo, Whiskey Riff)
It felt like the whole country was watching what many refer to as, “The Game.” And it definitely lived up to the hype.
Although it seemed like #5 Michigan would take the game, #2 Ohio State won the 30-27, double-overtime against the rival Wolverines.
Even LeBron James and the Cavaliers were present at the Ohio Stadium, dancing and embracing the victory, before flying out to Philadelphia for their next game.
After the game, fans rushed the field. Michigan players were still on the field when it happened, which lead to why people are still talking about this game … well, what happened immediately after the game ended.
Headlines read “Jabrill Peppers Shoves Ohio State Fan.”
This Michigan defensive back is not just another player. He’s contending for the Heisman Trophy and NFL scouts refer to him as “the most versatile player” they’ve scouted.
He was understandably upset following Saturday’s loss. Put yourself in his shoes. You’re up the whole game but, then, lose in double-overtime … to your hated rivals, no less.
Courtesy: Detroit Sports Nation
As the video shows, Jabrill Peppers was walking off the field when OSU DB coach, Kerry Coombs, grabbed Peppers’ arm to speak to him. As they were conversing a fan ran in between them, allegedly taking Peppers’ towel, which understandable upset the Wolverine.
What’d he do? He shoved him.
Some Tweeters saw the action as a “thug move.” “He ain’t peppers, he’s salty!” @SNCleveland tweeted: “When you can’t beat Ohio State so you have to take it out on the fans.”
These are unfair judgments. Yes, it wasn’t classy and definitely wasn’t a good look on TV. And I’m not saying that Peppers’ actions are in any way okay. But, again, put yourself in his position. This fan tempted Pepper’s temper–and right in the heat of the moment after the game–when Peppers was most frustrated and emotional.
Coach Coombs, who was there to intervene, told WCPO.com that this has really been “blown out of proportion and looks worse than it actually was…. Jabrill is a really good kid that was caught in a tough situation.”
Everyone needs to move past this incident and understand that athletes shouldn’t be provoked when they are most vulnerable.
Courtesy: USA Today
Consider a similar storyline with New York Giants’ wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham has been notorious this season for showing his emotions on the field. He has even been the target of memes.
That’s what happens when you play with your heart and give your all, especially in meaningful games.
I do believe that athletes shouldn’t get in physical engagements with fans post-game. But, on the other hand, I also feel that fans should leave athletes alone, especially after a loss. Give them time to cool down.
As for Peppers, he’s having an outstanding season and he’s ready to make the jump to the NFL. Hopefully this incident won’t hurt his future.
