SEC fines Arkansas $25,000 for fans rushing field after LSU win

The Southeastern Conference fined the University of Arkansas $25,000 for fans storming the field after the Razorbacks' 17-0 win over then-No. 20 LSU on
SEC fines Arkansas $25,000 for fans rushing field after LSU win
SEC fines Arkansas $25,000 for fans rushing field after LSU win /

The Southeastern Conference fined the University of Arkansas $25,000 for fans storming the field after the Razorbacks' 17-0 win over then-No. 20 LSU on Saturday, the conference announced.

It was Arkansas' first SEC victory since an Oct. 13, 2012, win over Kentucky, and the program's first under second-year head coach Bret Bielema.

The conference said that Arkansas’ $25,000 fine was because it was its second offense since the league instituted a rule banning access to the playing field in 2004. Arkansas was also fined after fans stormed the court after the basketball team's victory over Florida in 2006.

According to the rule, "access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times.” The league said it is the responsibility of each school to keep spectators from the competition area.

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"Celebration of a victory is understandable and appreciated but should be exhibited in the appropriate manner," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said. "We cannot forget that significant risk of injury for student-athletes and fans alike can result from incidents such as this."

Schools are fined $5,000 for a first offense for breaking the access rule. A second offense will cost a school $25,000 and up to $50,000 for a third and subsequent offenses.

- Scooby Axson


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