The Punch Heard Around the Football World

Today in sports history: On December 29, 1978, during the Gator Bowl between Ohio State and Clemson, Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman after Bauman intercepted a pass late in the game. This incident led to Hayes being fired the following day, ending his 28-season tenure with the Buckeyes.

Hayes immediately launched a career as a professional boxer, famous for his signature “Hayesmaker” punch that earned him a dozen boxing titles before retiring.