Friday, August 21, 2026

SEC’s $1.6M Field-Storming Fiasco: Fines Pile Up After Celebrations

Field stormings have become commonplace after big victories in the SEC, despite harsh fines from the conference. Three incidents came against Alabama this year.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables celebrates with fans after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
The Oklahoman

The SEC’s first college football season as a 16-team conference ended with $2.1 million in fines related to fans storming and throwing debris on fields.

While no SEC schools were involved in the flag-planting incidents that led to $100,000 fines for Ohio State and Michigan—and likely punishments for others—during Rivalry Weekend, the conference had plenty of costly celebrations and disruptions on campuses during the 2024 regular season.

SEC rules—the most expensive in college sports—dictate a $100,000 fine for a first-time field or court storming, $250,000 for a second-time offense, and $500,000 for a third. There is also a separate $100,000 fine for storming the field before the game is over. That money is paid to the opposing school.

Eight instances this fall after major home victories resulted in $1.6 million in fines: 

  • Ole Miss: $350,000 (Georgia, Nov. 9)
  • South Carolina: $250,000 (Texas A&M, Nov. 2)
  • LSU: $250,000 (Ole Miss, Oct. 12)
  • Arkansas: $250,000 (Tennessee, Oct. 5)
  • Oklahoma: $200,000 (Alabama, Nov. 23)
  • Auburn: $100,000 (Texas A&M, Nov. 23)
  • Tennessee: $100,000 (Alabama, Oct. 19)
  • Vanderbilt: $100,000 (Alabama, Oct. 5)

Alabama takes home the most fine money, $400,000, as fans stormed the field after all three of the Crimson Tide’s losses this season. Georgia and Texas A&M are tied for second, receiving $350,000 each.

Additionally, Texas and LSU were each fined $250,000 for their fans throwing debris onto the field during losses to Georgia on Oct. 19 and Alabama on Nov. 9, respectively. That money was paid to the conference, not the opposing schools.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 18, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports broadcast microphone before the game between the Oregon Ducks against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive

Steven Ruiz Leaving The Ringer for Fox Sports

Ruiz had been with The Ringer since 2021.

Appeals Court Pauses Fifth Year of Eligibility Order

An appeals court has yet to make a final decision.

Marc Lore Sells Wolves in Another NBA Ownership Stunner

The move comes just 14 months after Lore took over in Minnesota.
Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Jannik Sinner (ITA) reacts against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) (not pictured) during the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Jannik Sinner Announces He Will Miss the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz announced Thursday that he will return at the US Open.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/21/26 – Jeanie Buss’s Ownership Battle, US Open’s Record Purse, Harden Hits $500M

0:00

Featured Today

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
Nov 6, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama guard Kai Spears (32) a walk on guard, takes a three late in the game at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

New York Times Loses $9.25M Defamation Verdict to Ex-Alabama Player

The outlet called the inaccurate report “an honest mistake.”
August 20, 2026

Judge: Players Can Go From NFL Training Camp Back to College

The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s new eligibility model.
LSU Tigers head football coach Lane Kiffin talking with Quarterback Husan Longstreet 8 at LSU Football practice. August 18, 2026.
August 21, 2026

College Football Landscape Fueled by New Off-Field Drama

Five major storylines are shaping college football’s new business landscape.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Emory Eagles guard Ben Pearce (10) passes around Mary Washington Eagles forward Jay Randall (11) on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during the NCAA DIII men's basketball championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
August 20, 2026

Division III Basketball Star Sues NCAA for 5th Year of Eligibility

If the case is successful, thousands more NCAA athletes could receive eligibility.
Oct 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; SMU player Kyla Deck answers questions from the media at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
August 19, 2026

SMU Women’s Basketball Player Sues NCAA Over Transfer Restrictions

It could set a precedent for more challenges to NCAA transfer restrictions.
First at FOS
August 17, 2026

Snapback Sports Gets Patch Deal With Sam Houston State, With Perks

It’s just the second patch deal secured by a Conference USA school.
Exclusive
August 14, 2026

Tarleton State Wants to Jump to the FBS

The Texans are having conversations about how to reach the next level.