Ohio State fans are expressing pure anger after a Brutus Buckeye statue was vandalized outside College Traditions, a well-known store near Ohio Stadium.
The incident comes on the heels of the Buckeyes’ dominant 38-15 victory over previously undefeated Indiana on Saturday, propelling Ohio State to a 10-1 record as they prepare for their highly anticipated showdown with rival Michigan.
The Brutus statue, a beloved landmark and popular photo spot, was reportedly attacked early Sunday morning.
According to Kelly Dawes, manager of College Traditions, the vandalism occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m., and both the university and Columbus police are investigating the incident.
“He’s a staple at our store, and there’s literally thousands and thousands of people who come by and get their picture taken with him,” Dawes said.
Dawes described the attack as particularly violent.
“He took him down Lane Avenue, in the middle of the street, kicking and just, it was awful,” Dawes said. “It was awful, and then he picked him up and threw him down. He picked him up and he threw him against our Woody (Hayes) statue.”
The incident has sparked outrage among Buckeye fans, many of whom are calling for the perpetrator to be identified and held accountable.
“Five days till the big game and they are already going crazy,” one fan said on social media.
Another added, “That is NOT nice. Hope they have cameras to find out who did this. We love Brutus Buckeye.”
The attack has also fueled speculation about the vandal’s motive, with some wondering if the culprit is a Michigan supporter looking to stir tensions ahead of the rivalry game.
Ohio State and Michigan are set to clash in their regular-season finale at noon EST on Saturday, with the game airing on FOX.
Unlike last season, the Buckeyes enter the matchup as clear favorites. In many ways, it would be an absolute shock if they lose to the Wolverines this time around.
What are your thoughts on the Brutus attack? … Will we get more answers???
