Arizona State Star Ejected for Bat Flip, Fans Outraged

Arizona State's Landon Hairston Jr., the Big 12 Player of the Year, was ejected from an NCAA Tournament game against Nebraska on May 31, 2026. The incident occurred in the bottom of the fourth inning when Hairston reacted to a called strike three with a bat flip, drawing a swift unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

This ejection, which also results in a mandatory one-game suspension per NCAA rules, has ignited widespread fan criticism. Social media erupted with fans calling the decision a joke and urging the NCAA to reconsider its stringent regulations, particularly in high-stakes tournament games.

Despite the controversy surrounding Hairston's ejection, Arizona State emerged victorious, defeating Nebraska 11-8 in the Lincoln Regional elimination game. Coach Willie Bloomquist defended his player, suggesting a warning would have been more appropriate given the intense circumstances of the game.