SEC Announces Fan Punishments For LSU, Ole Miss
11/11/2024 07:24 PM
SEC football fans are known for their unmatched passion, but sometimes, they can take things too far.
Over the weekend, the home crowds at Ole Miss and LSU went too far making their presence felt. In the final seconds of the Rebels' 28-10 win over Georgia, fans rushed the field before time had expired. That's a double no-no, as they aren't supposed to enter the field period, and definitely not with time still on the clock.
Also on Saturday night, angry LSU fans in Baton Rouge protested a controversial face mask call by throwing trash on the field.
On Monday, both fanbases were held accountable--or rather, the athletic departments they support were.
The SEC announced fines of $350,000 for Ole Miss and $250,000 for LSU for the fan violations. Ole Miss was docked $250,000 for its second offense of the league's "access to competition area policy" and $100,000 for fans being on the field before the game ended.
Ironically, the school's first violation of the rushing the field regulations occurred following a win over LSU last season.
Meanwhile, in addition to LSU being docked $250,000, they will have to work to identify any individuals who threw debris on the field and update their game management and alcohol policies. If requirements are not met, the SEC could suspend LSU's ability to sell alcohol at games.
NEWS | LSU to be fined $250,000 related to spectator sportsmanship, Ole Miss to be fined $350,000 for fans rushing the field in their football games on Nov. 9: https://t.co/ThuRyUbksjpic.twitter.com/6x9l3skXLc
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 11, 2024
"LSU never, under any circumstances, condones the throwing of debris onto the field of play at any of its venues," LSU said in a statement. "This kind of unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, and we will take immediate steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future."
Tigers fans also drew the wrath of ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, who was on the call in Death Valley Saturday night and ranted against the behavior of the home crowd on social media after the game.
"Why has that become a thing this year? Some idiots do this in Texas and now all of a sudden we see it popping up in college football. Enough's enough, clowns. What are you doing?" Herbstreit said.
Related: Ole Miss Fans Rushed The Field vs. Georgia Before Game Was Over
