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Michigan Player Headbutts Referee, Somehow Avoids Ejection
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Michigan Player Headbutts Referee, Somehow Avoids Ejection

Originally posted on The Spun  |  By Chris Rosvoglou  |  Last updated Nov 29, 2025 2:01 PM ET

Well, it didn't take long for things to get crazy between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 15 Michigan.

After kicking a field goal on its opening drive of the game, Michigan intercepted Julian Sayin's second pass attempt of the afternoon. That set up the Wolverines for yet another field goal to take a 6-0 lead.

On Ohio State's next drive, Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham lost his composure and received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. To be quite honest, his punishment should've been far more severe.

For some inexplicable reason, Barham tried headbutting the referee. FOX's Joel Klatt was speechless over this heated interaction.

No discipline for Michigan.

The college football world couldn't believe Barham avoided an ejection despite making clear contact with the official.

"WTF: Michigan player just head butted an official," Brent McMurphy wrote on X.

"What a dumbass play by the Michigan player. … headbutting the official," college basketball insider Jeff Goodman said.

Chris Low of On3 asked, "If you’re not going to get thrown out of the game for head butting an official, what are you going to get thrown out for?"

"Barham contact with an official. I rewound it. That's an automatic ejection," Dennis Dodd of CBS said.

An ejection not only would've been the appropriate response, it would've been a message to both sides to calm down.

It wouldn't surprise us if we see more fireworks in Ann Arbor.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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