SEC fines South Carolina $100K for fans storming court

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th January, 17:26 2024

Jan 23, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'Lon Cooper (55) celebrates with students after beating the Kentucky Wildcats at Colonial Life Arena. credits: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The Southeastern Conference on Wednesday announced that it has fined South Carolina $100,000 for violating league policy when fans stormed the court after the Gamecocks' upset of Kentucky on Tuesday night.

Fans — including South Carolina women's coach Dawn Staley and former university president Harris Pastides — rushed the court after South Carolina defeated No. 6 Kentucky, 79-62.

Kentucky players left the court without incident.

The SEC revised its access to competition area policy in its spring meetings in 2023. The $100,000 fine is for a first-time offense. A second violation would result in a $250,000 fine and $500,000 for a third and all subsequent offenses.

—Field Level Media