Field storming is something that fans have done for years after their team comes away with a big win. However, it seems like the SEC is trying to crack down on this beloved tradition.
The SEC posted a press release on Thursday, which includes much harsher penalties for home teams when fans rush onto the field.
Brandon Marcello of 247 Sports posted a picture of the press release, which states that teams will be fined $100,000 for the first offense, then $250,000 for their second offense. The third and any violation after that will cost them $500,000. The same penalties will be in effect for college basketball games where fans storm the court. These fines will go directly to the opposing team in that game from the home team.
The SEC’s update related to field storming/court rushing issue — including new fine structure that will be paid directly to opponent. pic.twitter.com/fqh4cHkLFK
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) June 1, 2023
The number of offenses will reset after four years, and all previous instances of field storming have been wiped from the record.
It also states that SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey can levy additional fines, which could come if a field storming occurs while the road team is still on the field.
Fans will do what they please, and field-storming events will still likely happen. However, Sankey revealed that this new policy would hopefully make SEC schools implement a plan.
“While fines don’t impact the immediate decision-making process of fans, they do provide an incentive from universities to develop strategies,” Sankey told The Athletic’s, David Ubben.
While some may see this as an adverse decision by the SEC, it is ultimately best for the players on the field. It will prevent incidents after the game between players and fans. This situation happened last season when an Oregon player punched an Oregon State fan that stormed the field.
Oregon Ducks football player DJ Johnson sucker punches a fan on the field…pic.twitter.com/IGJN84b0LR
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 27, 2022
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.