Ohio State University police have determined an officer's use of pepper spray during a brawl between players following last November's football game against rival Michigan was justified.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, citing a report by The Athletic, the officer's chain of command, including Chief Dennis Jeffrey, found the officer's use of pepper spray was "objectively reasonable considering the circumstances."
Following their upset victory at Ohio Stadium, Michigan players attempted to plant a flag near the middle of the field. A brawl ensued, resulting in at least one police officer suffering injuries and several officers from several police agencies deploying pepper spray.
The Ohio State officer who used pepper spray documented his use of force, stating that he saw "several people on the ground being stepped on, police officers being violently pushed around by various members of the UM football team, who were wearing football protective gear including helmets."
"It was clear that police officer, security and stadium security presence with verbal commands for everyone to step back and leave the area was not working," the officer wrote. "Several people were on the ground, police officers were being pushed and shoved by large, highly trained and skilled division one football athletes in full football game attire. The players had the advantage in both size, strength, conditioning, protective gear and they outnumbered the police presence trying to suppress the growing threat."
The Athletic also cited a review from the Franklin County Sheriff's office that cleared of wrongdoing deputies who had used pepper spray and threatened to use a Taser. The Dispatch has filed a public records request for that report but has not yet received a copy.
The Big Ten Conference fined each school $100,000.
In addition, a 45-year-old Florida man is facing fourth-degree misdemeanor charges for criminal trespass after running past security and onto the field during the Nov. 30 brawl. The man was arrested while officers from several agencies, including OSU police, were attempting to break up the melee. The man told the officers who arrested him he had "entered the field to prevent Michigan from planting their flag."
He faces a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
