The 2026 athletic season saw a dramatic turn of events, as former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III highlighted a strange incident at a state championship race. Griffin’s post on X drew national attention, with fans delivering a wide range of reactions to what some called a ‘robbery.’
Robert Griffin III Bashes Officials for ‘Taunting’ Call in State Championship Race
School athletics carry a lot of weight across America, drawing out countless passionate fans to stadiums every year. As such, when controversy sparks, it tends to create a wildfire.
Griffin was among the catalysts of one wildfire when he posted about a state championship race that went wrong. he detailed the incident, writing:
“A High School was ROBBED of a State Championship… The Mallard Creek boys track and field team was disqualified for taunting because Ngannou Brown raised his hand before crossing the line to win the 4x400m relay… THIS ISN’T TAUNTING OR UNSPORTSMANLIKE.”
A High School was ROBBED of a State Championship
The Mallard Creek boys track and field team was disqualified for taunting because Ngannou Brown raised his hand before crossing the line to win the 4x400m relay.
THIS ISN’T TAUNTING OR UNSPORSTMANLIKE pic.twitter.com/lSUZO6AnrJ
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 18, 2026
The post sparked a wide range of reactions among his followers and other fans.
“RGIII is 100% right,” talk show host Bob Lonsberry posted. “This young man does nothing dishonorable or unsportsmanlike. Achievement should never be stolen from those who have earned it.”
“CORNYYYYYYY! This is tragic,” two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith posted.
“When we won the 4×100 state title in HS, we were talking crazy once we hit the finish line,” journalist Myron Medcalf wrote. “Clapping, jumping. I think one of my teammates went into the stands. Not because we were taunting but because we were excited. This celebration was not egregious. Give them their title.”
This is ridiculous.
And track and field gives their officials too much power.
Imagine if an NFL or NBA ref could negate all points scored in the last 10 minutes of play off a single infraction. That’s essentially what we do in track.
There are no minor penalties. It’s dumb. https://t.co/KpjtcXmKqW
— Steve Magness (@stevemagness) May 17, 2026
The Mallard Creek boys track and field team was well on its way to a third-straight North Carolina NCHSAA Track and Field State Championship. The boys’ disqualification fueled most of the rage online.
“The NFL wouldn’t even throw a flag on this celebration,” NFL insider Jonathan Jones posted. “The NCHSAA has to step in and correct this obvious and costly error.”
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“This is the weakest unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the *history of sports,*” The Herd’s Jason McIntyre wrote. “He put his hand up! I was waiting for more. Yes, I read the story where someone flexed earlier in the day… laughable penalty. Adults making it about themselves. Pathetic and embarrassing.”
Griffin even called on NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker to reverse the call.
What becomes of the controversy remains to be seen.
