Winston-Salem State's freehand field lines go viral and the AD owns it

Football fields are supposed to look like a ruler drew them. At Winston-Salem State University the yard markers looked more like a freehand doodle and the internet could not look away.

Paint by eye

A video that spread this week shows a grounds crew worker at Bowman Gray Stadium marking yard lines and hash marks with a can of white spray paint. There was no stencil in sight. Distance seemed to come from a careful stroll and a hopeful eye.

The finished lines leaned. The hashes near the 40-yard line did not match. Fans watching the clip online said it looked less like a college field and more like a backyard sketch that got out of hand.

An HBCU owns the joke and the fix

Winston-Salem State is a historically Black university in North Carolina and the Rams play in the CIAA. Athletic director Eric Burns did not duck the moment. He said the field markings fell short of the school's standards and that he takes responsibility.

"We've secured additional field preparation support and implemented new checks to ensure this is addressed before our next home game," Burns said. "Our student-athletes and Ram Nation deserve the highest standard and we are committed to meeting it every time."

The clip that would not quit

The video passed a million views within a day. Sports fans traded jokes about freehand football and "measure twice paint once" while still rooting for the Rams to get a clean canvas next time.

The Hall of Fame game against Bowie State did not go the Rams' way on the scoreboard. They fell 21-0 and sit looking for a first win. Extra field help arrives before Saturday's home date with Bluefield State.

Straight lines ahead

College football is full of drama. This week an HBCU stadium reminded everyone that even the paint job can steal the show. Ram Nation will be watching for crisp white lines and a better result when the crew gets another shot.