WATCH: Ohio State AD Gets Into Sideline Altercation During Michigan Game

t's hard to say what exactly led to the heated exchange between Smith and the security officials, but it definitely isn't a great look for an athletic director to behave that way in an opposing stadium.

It was certainly a rough day in the Big House for the Buckeye faithful, including Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith. Not only did the Buckeyes drop their third straight game to the Wolverines and likely cost themselves a spot in the College Football Playoff as a result, Smith was also handed a dose of reality when a security guard told him to stay within a designated area. 

For those who don't know, there are various designated areas on the sidelines for photographers, videographers, guests, network personalities, etc. These areas are marked with dotted lines, and the security officials at these stadiums are typically pretty good at making sure the right folks stay within those areas. 

Gene Smith apparently crossed the yellow dotted line, which is a big no-no at Michigan Stadium - leading to a heated exchange (warning strong language).

Ohio State AD Gene Smith gets into it with a sideline official after Buckeyes touchdown

Then a Michigan staffer swiped at my phone. pic.twitter.com/KHx77zp5cI

— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 25, 2023

“What the f— is yours? What the f— is your name?” Smith asked the official before turning his attention to the Michigan staffer. “I’m behind the yellow line. Don’t get me started.”

It's hard to say what exactly led to the heated exchange between Smith and the security officials, but it definitely isn't a great look for an athletic director to behave that way in an opposing stadium. Smith, who has been the athletic director at Ohio State since 2005, recently announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.