Should Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham have been ejected for umpire headbutt? Video and reaction

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after lowering his helmet toward an umpire near the goal line, a moment that appeared to meet the NCAA’s standard for automatic disqualification. Instead, he stayed on the field.

The decision surprised analysts and fueled instant reaction, since any intentional contact with an official is normally a straightforward ejection.

Social reaction adds fuel... and plenty of trolling

The sequence lit up X within minutes. Some users compared the game to scripted entertainment, others went straight for jokes about Michigan bias, and a few defended Barham by arguing the contact was exaggerated.

Here’s a snapshot of the tone across the platform:

• “College football is basically WWE now.”
• “Fifteen yards and a participation trophy? That’s Michigan justice.”
• “Bro wasn’t even ejected. ❌ichigan can’t win without the refs.”
• “Man thinks he’s in the UFC instead of the Big Ten.”
• “Should’ve brought a helmet too.”
• “He really said, ‘let me argue this call up close.’”
• “NCAA Rule 9-2-4 mandates automatic disqualification... Barham defied a 100% ejection probability.”
• “If I headbutt someone with a helmet on, I’m going to jail.”
• “He cannot be allowed to leave Ann Arbor a free man.”
• “Get the refs some helmets too — would make things interesting.”
• “Doing this on 3rd and goal against Ohio State is wild.”
• “Maybe he was bowing politely.”
• “No way he wasn’t ejected.”
• “Rigged game.”
• “Notice the content of his character. No ejection doesn’t teach a lesson.”

With the rulebook clear but enforcement anything but, the debate looks set to continue long after the final whistle.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.