Vanderbilt Field Storming Fines Approach $1 Million After Multiple Incidents

Vanderbilt Field Storming Fines Approach $1 Million After Multiple Incidents image

The SEC has fined Vanderbilt $850,000 this academic year for three separate field and court storming incidents following major upsets.

The conference imposes escalating fines when fans enter playing areas after games, aiming to prevent safety risks. The penalties increase with each violation during an academic year.

Vanderbilt’s first fine came after football fans rushed the field following their 40-35 victory over No. 1 Alabama in October. That incident cost the school $100,000.

The basketball program then triggered two more penalties in January. Fans stormed the court after beating No. 6 Tennessee, resulting in a $250,000 fine. One week later, another court storming followed Vanderbilt’s win over No. 9 Kentucky, leading to a $500,000 penalty.

Rising Costs of Success

The Commodores’ basketball team sits at 16-4 this season under first-year head coach Mark Byington.

“There’s big picture things I wanted to happen around here and at one point I want to be where we’re not surprised, that we don’t feel like the underdog in these games,” Byington said, according to The Tennessean. “We’re not there yet. So let the fans enjoy it. We’ve got to start a GoFundMe page or something to pay fines. We’ll figure it out.”

The SEC’s fine structure increases with each violation:

– First offense: $100,000
– Second offense: $250,000
– Third offense: $500,000

With more ranked opponents remaining on their schedule, Vanderbilt faces potential additional fines if fans continue rushing the court after upsets.

Tom Wilson avatar
Tom Wilson