The University of Arkansas was fined $100,000 by the Southeastern Conference on Thursday for breaking league rules that forbid spectators from entering the field of play.
Following Arkansas’ 80-75 victory over seventh-ranked Duke on Wednesday, thousands of Razorback supporters swarmed the court at Bud Walton Arena. With roughly four minutes left, students started forming lines in the arena’s aisles, defying public address announcer John George’s pleas for them to stay off the court. When the final buzzer went off, they swiftly spilled onto the court.
For the third time in just under 27 months, the SEC levied fines against the Razorbacks. Arkansas was fined $100,000 after defeating Texas 40–21 in football in September 2021, and $250,000 after defeating then-No. 1 Auburn 80–76 in overtime in basketball in February 2022.
Fines incurred during non-conference play are contributed to the SEC’s fund for post-graduate scholarships. For an SEC matchup, the visiting school would get a fine.This year, the fine levels were changed and the total number of infractions for each institution was reset. Now, infractions cost $100,000 for first-time offenders, $250,000 for second-time offenders, and $500,000 for each consecutive infraction.
The number of violations will be reset for schools that do not have any for four years.
The SEC mandates that every member school develop security procedures to stop anyone from rushing the basketball court or football field as part of the policy revisions this year.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated earlier this year at the SEC Spring Meetings, “While fines don’t impact the immediate decision-making process of fans, they do provide an incentive from universities to develop strategies,” according to The Athletic. In Fayetteville on Wednesday, the league’s recently implemented protocols were adhered to. The teams shook hands, but before Duke’s squad members could leave the floor, some security guards cordoned off a section.
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