SEC warns football fans harsh punishment could come for field stormings

SEC football fans who want to storm the field after a big win could their schools in big trouble if the conference gets its way

There could be some very harsh punishments coming for schools in the SEC if their fans storm football fields or basketball courts in the future, according to statements made by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to Sports Illustrated.

"You have to elevate the responsibility for the safety of the visiting team," Sankey said.

"We talk about the dangers for fans. The dangers of people jumping over walls. Dangers for both teams. Dangers for the officials. That's the kind of conversation the adults in the room have had. The adults will continue to have the conversation."

Some of the punishments those adults are considering? Some pretty serious ones, including forcing teams to forfeit games, and banning them from postseason bowls, not to mention the loss of a home game in the future, and another increase in fines to be paid by schools.

Fans took to the field after SEC football games last season involving wins over Alabama, first at Tennessee, when Big Orange supporters tore down some goal posts and threw part of them into the Tennessee River, and at LSU after its dramatic, last-second overtime win over the Crimson Tide.

"I don't think just passing a rule can stop it. People have to stop it," Sankey said.

"Has the fine system changed behavior? Yes. Can you stop it? Sure. You can send teams into stands to celebrate with fans. Stay off the floor, we're going to come to you, and let's celebrate that way. There are positive ways to engage in post-game celebrations that don't involve rushing the field and tearing down goalposts."

The SEC has not formally proposed any definite rules on the matter, but the league's spring meetings are coming in late May and early June in Destin, Fla., and there's some speculation the matter will be addressed there.

Three athletic directors are charged with creating a new policy for the SEC to vote on: Greg Byrne of Alabama, Josh Brooks of Georgia, and Mitch Barnhart of Kentucky.

(SI)

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