Vandy fined $100,000 for storming court after Kentucky game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt has been fined $100,000 by the Southeastern Conference after fans stormed the court Saturday following the Commodores’ 74-62 victory over Kentucky.

The SEC announced the fine Monday.

The league policy that took effect in 2004 states “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times.” The policy adds that, “It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.”

Fines start at $50,000 for a first offense and go up to $100,000 for a second offense and up to $250,000 for subsequent offenses after being increased at the SEC spring meetings last year.

Vanderbilt was fined $100,000 because it was the school’s second offense. Vanderbilt fans also stormed the court after a men’s basketball victory over No. 1 Florida in 2007.

“While understanding the enthusiasm following an exciting victory, fans need to remain in the stands and avoid the safety concerns associated with rushing on to the playing floor,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “We want to have exciting experiences around SEC games, but also want to maintain a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and officials.”

Kentucky coach John Calipari sent his players who were the bench to the locker room with about 35 seconds left in the game. He said afterward he did that to keep his players safe, expecting fans to rush the court to celebrate.

The Big East commissioner can fine schools with a first offense starting at $5,000 with a second up to $25,000. But neither the Big Ten nor the Pac-12 have penalties in place for fans storming the court.

Arizona coach Sean Miller is not happy with the Pac-12.

Opposing fans have rushed the court in 10 of Arizona’s last 11 conference road losses, including Feb. 24 after a loss at Colorado. Miller, who suggested last season that schools be fined $100,000, was very upset after the loss at Colorado watching his players struggle to get through the crowd.

“Eventually what’s going to happen in the Pac-12 is this: An Arizona player is going to punch a fan. And they’re going to punch the fan out of self-defense,” Miller said.

Earlier this season, Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register broke his leg after being knocked over when fans rushed the court in Ames, Iowa, following Iowa State’s 83-82 home win over rival Iowa

Kansas coach Bill Self was pinned against a table last season after a loss against Kansas State, leading to the stricter guidelines. In a measure passed last May, the Big 12 can now fine member schools or take away a future home game for failing to keep fans from rushing the court or field.