Baker Mayfield has built a reputation as a tough competitor and a spirited trash-talker during his college football days at the University of Oklahoma, culminating in a Heisman Trophy win. Notably, Mayfield is credited with kicking off the flag-planting tradition when he famously planted the Sooners’ flag at Ohio State’s field following a victory in 2017.
Recently, Mayfield weighed in on the ongoing debates surrounding the tradition of flag-planting by players following significant wins. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ narrow victory over the Carolina Panthers, which ended in a close 26-23 overtime win, Mayfield expressed support for the practice. He highlighted the longstanding rivalries inherent in college football, pointing out that annual matchups like the OU-Texas game often feature players planting flags on the opposing team’s field.
“I’ll say this: OU-Texas does it every time they play,” Mayfield remarked, dismissing the idea that flag-planting should be seen as controversial. “You take your ‘L’ and you move on. I’ll leave it at that.” He conveyed that rivalries are essential to the college football experience, comparing the issue to the Big 12’s attempt to ban the ‘Horns down’ gesture.
Recent incidents involving flag-planting have sparked debates, particularly following heated games such as Michigan vs. Ohio State, Florida vs. Florida State, North Carolina vs. N.C. State, and Arizona vs. Arizona State, with the latter featuring a different kind of display – a pitchfork. The Big Ten Conference responded to the behaviors observed after the Michigan-Ohio State game by imposing $100,000 fines on both universities, citing violations of the conference’s Sportsmanship Policy.
The conference underscored that such actions not only lack respect and civility but also endanger the safety of participants and spectators. In response to these incidents, the Big Ten has declared the matter concluded, indicating that there will be no further comments on the issue.
This spark of rivalry and spirited competition, while occasionally resulting in penalties, reveals the passion that characterizes college football. It’s a reminder that the excitement surrounding these matchups fuels the sport’s appeal and community. As discussions about sportsmanship and celebration continue, players like Mayfield advocate for the traditions that make college football such a thrilling spectacle.
In summary, Baker Mayfield’s defense of flag-planting traditions highlights the passionate rivalries in college football, even as the Big Ten imposes fines for unsportsmanlike conduct. Mayfield’s comments emphasize the importance of competition and camaraderie, which can bring an exciting, albeit contentious, dimension to college sports.