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The Penn State Wrestling Team has been enjoying a smooth sail in the 2023-24 season. The Nittany Lions have a top-15 wrestler for every weight class right now and are on an undefeated run. Carrying this momentum, the Lions hosted the Ohio State Buckeyes at Rec Hall looking forward to another victory.
Starting things off for the Penn State Wrestling Team at 125 was their new breakout star, Braeden Davis. But, the fans saw that the PSU freshman was about to lose his first match. While this would have saddened them, a decision made by the referee during the bout made them furious instead. They lashed out at the official in a social media post, showcasing an obvious blunder made by him.
When the referee ignored a legitimate takedown
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Penn State Wrestling tweeted a new video to its official X account showcasing the 125lbs bout against Ohio State. The tweet carried the caption, “Starting off strong with a W from Davis at 125.” While the video did showcase the true freshman Braeden Davis taking the win, the video clearly showed that this bout didn’t belong to him.
Starting off strong with a W from Davis at 125 😱#PSUwr pic.twitter.com/vfXb78dI8z
— Penn State WRESTLING (@pennstateWREST) February 2, 2024
The footage showcased Davis unable to overpower his Buckeye opponent, Vinny Kilkeary, who had the upper hand and was on the offense. The score showed that the Penn State Wrestling star was leading 4-3 and just had to maintain his lead for another 15 seconds. But this was enough time for Kilkeary to slam Davis with a big takedown.
But the win went to Davis as the referee didn’t acknowledge Kilkeary’s effort. This resulted in the OSU wrestler not receiving the three points that could’ve won him the match while Davis got a ‘Plot Armor’, saving him from defeat.
Fans went berserk in the comments over the bad call made by the referee, which denied the Buckeyes 125-pounder a deserving victory. In fact, even Penn State Wrestling fans called him out for his lack of competence.
OSU wrestler earns support even from Penn State fans
Angry fans mobbed together and launched themselves at the official for the massive error in judgment on his part. One of the angry fans called the referee’s mistake downright shameful.
That’s shameful officiating…
— Ryan Driver (@grd8901) February 2, 2024
Another fan stated the utter disbelief they felt when the ref didn’t award OSU the takedown.
Such a bad call. With video review how did they get that wrong?
— Meredith Rogers (@mersinger221) February 2, 2024
Even Penn State Wrestling fans were baffled by the referee’s indifference to the takedown.
What match where you watching. I am a PSU fan all my life but that kid got robbed.
— Curt Richards (@CurtRichar50109) February 2, 2024
While the referee got the heat for his bad decision, the social media team of Penn State Wrestling also got called out. Especially for the caption they added to the win that Davis didn’t earn.
Great video of ur guy literally losing the match
— Grade A Homogenous Milk (@nohandsmusty) February 2, 2024
Many fans also saw this as a disrespect to Braeden Davis and as a restrictor of his growth.
Yeah that’s a takedown. Davis is allowed to have a bad match. He’s a freshman right? He’ll figure it out.
— Akir The Fallen (@Haunted_Haunter) February 3, 2024
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One of the comments, however, took the side of the referee and defended him.
For those complaining of the call have never talked with officials about these types of plays. You have to get to the position and demonstrate control. OSU got there but all in one motion lost it never demonstrating control in the advantage. Thus the ref keeping it neutral.
— Patch Timney (@Patch_2951) February 3, 2024
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Do you agree with the last comment? Or do you also think that the referee needlessly favored the Penn State Wrestling Team?
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