When you manage to defeat your longstanding rivals, especially for a consecutive fourth time, you earn the right to express yourself freely, as long as it remains within reasonable boundaries and legal limits.

On Saturday, Michigan running back Kalel Mullings fully embraced this sentiment. The Wolverines, who were heavy underdogs by nearly three touchdowns going into the clash against Ohio State, pulled off a surprising 13-10 victory over the second-ranked Buckeyes in Columbus.

Mullings contributed significantly to the win, racking up 116 rushing yards on 32 attempts, in addition to scoring a touchdown. After the game, he addressed the altercation on the Fox broadcast, stating, “It was such a thrilling match, and it’s unfortunate to witness things like that. It’s detrimental to the sport and to college football.”

He then directed a message towards the players from Ohio State, perhaps delivering the quote of the year.

“But ultimately, some people need to learn to accept loss,” Mullings remarked. “You can’t resort to fighting just because you lost. We had 60 minutes and four quarters to handle everything on the field. Now, following the game, people want to argue. That’s simply unclassy, in my view. It’s time for improvement.”

What transpired during the fight between Ohio State and Michigan players?

Following the conclusion of the game, skirmishes erupted among players from both teams in the center of the field. The altercation initiated after Michigan players celebrated by dancing and placing a blue-and-maize flag on Ohio State’s emblem at midfield.

This led to pushing and punches being exchanged between Ohio State and Michigan players. At one stage, Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore was seen carrying the team flag until Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer pulled it from his grip and flung it onto the ground.

A visibly enraged Sawyer declared, “They’re not (expletive) placing a flag on our (expletive) field again.”

Authorities were called to the scene, forming a human barrier at the 50-yard line to control the escalating situation, as reported by Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports.

Footage circulating on social media depicted law enforcement personnel using pepper spray on players from both sides while attempting to break up the conflict. Several Michigan players, including linebacker Jason Hewlett and running back Tavierre Dunlap, were seen rinsing their eyes with Gatorade bottles while grimacing in discomfort.

Stephanie Otey, a sports reporter for 97.1 The Fan, reported that she was hit by pepper spray during the incident, sharing a video showing her red, watery eyes afterward: “Officers came out and started spraying pepper spray everywhere. I got sprayed in the eyes. The source was unclear, but there was considerable chaos.”

Otey was recording as she was affected by the spray, repeatedly saying, “I can’t see.”

Ohio State coach Ryan Day: ‘We’re ashamed’

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stated he was unaware of all the specifics leading to the brawl, but he acknowledged that it resulted from Michigan players “trying to place a flag on our field, and our guys weren’t going to let that slide.”

“I will investigate to find out precisely what transpired, but it’s our field,” Day remarked after the game. “We’re certainly ashamed about losing, but there are proud players who wouldn’t allow that to happen lightly.”

The Wolverines are now waiting to see their bowl assignment, while Ohio State looks for assistance to secure a spot in the Big Ten championship.

This story has been updated with additional details.