Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon Faces Backlash After Incident at Maryland Game

Ohio State women’s basketball player Cotie McMahon created a stir during a recent game against Maryland, where she was seen flashing double middle fingers towards fans after a tense moment on the court. This incident occurred on March 4, 2025, during a pivotal Big Ten match that resulted in a narrow victory for Ohio State. McMahon’s actions have prompted discussions about sportsmanship and appropriate conduct in collegiate athletics. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, raising questions about how players should respond to crowd reactions. Kevin McGuff, the head coach of Ohio State, addressed the situation in a statement, emphasizing the need for players to maintain composure regardless of intense circumstances. ‘As athletes, we have to be aware that our actions can influence many people, including our supporters and the younger generation watching us,’ McGuff stated. The fallout from this incident adds to the ongoing conversations about player behavior and the pressures faced by student-athletes during high-stakes games. After the game, McMahon apologized via her social media account, indicating that she regrets her actions and did not intend to offend anyone. The incident has sparked an outpouring of reactions from fans and analysts alike, some supporting McMahon’s emotional response while others criticize her lack of sportsmanship during a critical game.