Kentucky fined $100,000 for storming field after victory
Kentucky established itself as a legitimate force in the SEC East on Saturday with its 28-7 victory over then-No. 14 Mississippi State, which is nice. And the Wildcat fans went delirious with the unexpected feeling of cheering athletic success in the fall, which is also nice. But the fans charged the field, which resulted in a $100,000 fine for the school, which is not quite so nice.
“The Conference has unanimously approved a policy requiring fines be applied when spectators enter the playing field after a game,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “Fans are expected to remain in the stands and avoid the safety concerns associated with rushing on to the playing field. We want exciting experiences around SEC games, but also seek to maintain a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and officials.”
Kentucky was fined because it previously violated the policy, in 2014 after a victory over South Carolina. The school would face a $250,000 fine if fans rush the field another time. Fines are deposited into the SEC’s Post-Graduate Scholarship Fund, and schools are liable for all sports involved with the SEC.
Kentucky isn’t the first school to get hit with fines for rushing the field. Last year, Auburn got tagged with the $250,000 fine after its Iron Bowl victory over Alabama.
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
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