In what has become a yearly tradition in the SEC, two programs have been fined massive amounts of money by the conference for storming the field after massive upset wins.
The Vanderbilt Commodores took down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 for their first-ever win against a top-five team in program history, and of course fans found their way onto the field as a result. The school was fined $100,000 as a first offense, an amount that per a new rule is actually going to be paid directly to Alabama.
Arkansas on the other hand defeated No. 4 Tennessee with a backup quarterback — and Razorbacks fans went absolutely nuts on the field after the game. Unfortunately for the brass in Fayetteville, it’s now the second offense, meaning they will be fined $250,000 and if there is another infraction, it will cost the school $500,000.
#Arkansas HC Sam Pittman on field interview after upsetting Tennessee #CFB pic.twitter.com/9ooQKY5WRF
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhifer) October 6, 2024
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman even had jokes about it in the midst of the chaos.
“I think [Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek] is going to be mad,” Pittman said of the fine. “Or maybe he won’t be, I don’t know. Right now, I don’t care. Go Hogs, go Hogs, baby!”
Chances are in both cases that neither the coaches, the players, or the fans really care about a measly fine and would likely say it was well worth it.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
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