Sen. Cliff Hite’s effort to recognize the Wilson football as the official football of the state of Ohio was fumbled this week. Or, one might say Hite was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Hite, R-Findlay, in December introduced Senate Bill 274 to recognize the football, which is manufactured at the Wilson Sporting Goods factory in Ada, within his district.

The bill was scheduled for its first hearing this week, but was pulled from the committee agenda after, Hite said, he was informed the bill could have a legal or perception problem in that it was promoting a for-profit, private company.

Hite, a former high school football coach and quarterback for the University of Kentucky, said that issue had not occurred to him. He just wanted to recognize that the football used at all levels of play, including the NFL, was made in Ohio.

Hite said he may still do a ceremonial resolution, perhaps connecting it the Super Bowl, where the Wilson ball has been used in every game.