30 biggest college football scandals of all time
By Ethan Lee
Woody Hayes punches a Clemson player
Even though football is an inherently violent sport, it’s certainly not a good thing for extra violence to crop up in the midst of a game. But, that’s exactly what happened when Ohio State and Clemson met back in 1978.
Legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes was in the twilight years of his coaching career. Hayes had won national titles had beaten many of the toughest teams in the country by the time Ohio State and Clemson lined up across from each other in that Gator Bowl.
The Buckeyes were down by a couple of points late in the game but turned it over as Clemson’s Charlie Bauman picked off an errant pass. As the play ended, Bauman ended up near Hayes.
Hayes ended up punching Bauman.
That wound up being Hayes’ last game with Ohio State. Hayes was known for having a fiery temper and a remarkable will to win. Unfortunately, he crossed a line that he shouldn’t have when throwing punches at Bauman. It’s a weird story that certainly wouldn’t ever be forgotten if it happened today. It’s also a weird story that ended up costing Hayes his job.