Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin did not hide his frustration after his team was penalized for what he described as a patriotic gesture during Saturday’s 73-3 rout of VMI at Lane Stadium.
According to Breitbart Sports, Franklin was incensed that officials flagged running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. for high-fiving members of the Corps of Cadets who were leaning over the end zone wall during the game. The penalty, enforced under NCAA Rule 9-2, prohibits any “delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).”
Franklin did not mince words when addressing the call after the game.
“We got a penalty for high-fiving one of our members of the Corps,” Franklin said, per Breitbart. “Not a huge fan. I don’t know why we can’t high-five somebody in the military. It seems somewhat un-American to me.”
The scene unfolded during the Hokies’ dominant win, with Hawkins engaging with the cadets in a moment that Franklin and others viewed as a show of respect — not an orchestrated celebration meant to draw attention to himself. The coach’s remarks quickly drew attention online, with many fans and commentators echoing his criticism of the rule’s application.
Franklin’s first game at Lane Stadium ended in a resounding victory, but the postgame discussion centered more on the questionable penalty than the final score. The Hokies’ new head coach, who took the helm after a successful tenure elsewhere, made clear he believed the officials overstepped in policing a spontaneous and wholesome interaction.
While NCAA rules are designed to curb excessive celebrations and self-promotion, Franklin’s reaction highlights a broader debate about the enforcement of such regulations, especially when they involve interactions with military personnel. The Corps of Cadets is a cherished tradition at Virginia Tech, and the sight of players engaging with them is often seen as a nod to the university’s military heritage.
The penalty did not impact the outcome, as Virginia Tech cruised to a 73-3 victory, but the incident has sparked conversations about sportsmanship, rule interpretation, and the balance between discipline and common sense.
As Franklin suggests, the rule may have been applied without considering the context. High-fiving cadets is hardly the kind of behavior the NCAA likely intended to punish when it drafted Rule 9-2. But as written, the rule gives officials broad discretion to flag any act they deem as drawing undue attention to a player.
Whether the NCAA will review the call or clarify its stance remains unclear. For now, Franklin’s comments serve as a pointed reminder that sometimes rules can miss the mark, especially when they clash with moments of genuine appreciation and respect.
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Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/09/07/james-franklin-blasts-un-american-virginia-tech-penalty-high-fiving-cadets/