Maryland high school runner gets disqualified (again) for celebrating

On May 26 at the Maryland high school state championships, Catoctin High School sprinter Brody Buffington made headlines again, as he was disqualified (again) for unsportsmanlike conduct at the end of the 4x200m relay. Buffington ran the anchor leg and led his team to a state championship, but Buffington’s early celebrations cost the school the title.

Brody Buffington (Catoctin) and his 4×200 relay team was disqualified for “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” during the Maryland State Championships!

Before the DQ they had the fastest time of 1:28

Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/YeVooLkxJS

— Milesplit Maryland (@MilesplitM79450) May 26, 2023

Usually getting tossed from a race isn’t a big deal, but this is the second occasion in four months that Buffington has been disqualified. In February, he was disqualified for “taunting,” after winning the 300m race at a Maryland 1A West Region indoor meet. His celebration cost him the victory and the chance to retain his state 300m title. The Internet was up in arms after his previous disqualification, saying it was unfair and that there was no harm in what he did.

Fast-forward four months to May 26, when he was once DQ’d for raising his hands in the air and pointing off toward the crowd. Before his relay team was disqualified, they had set a school record of 1:28 for the 4x200m relay.

Catoctin’s Brody Buffington (U.S. No. 1 in the 55) won’t be able to defend his state title in the 300 after getting DQ’d for his celebration at the Maryland 1A West region meet. pic.twitter.com/MOYA2pRXqu

— Andy Mason (@Andrew_M_Mason) February 4, 2023

Buffington was disqualified for a rule book “taunting violation,” which brings discredit to an individual or their school, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rule book.

Luckily, Buffington will not have to worry about NFHS rules next year, as he has committed to the track and field program at the University of Georgia.