Following the Gamecocks’ upset of the sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday, students and supporters in South Carolina decided to storm the basketball court. The Southeastern Conference responded.
A $100,000 fine will now be imposed on South Carolina for the fans’ actions in the minutes that followed the exciting 79-62 victory. The victory was the first home victory over a team ranked No. 6 or higher for the Gamecocks basketball program in 14 years.
In its meetings from last spring, the SEC approved additional fines. Currently, the fine for a first offense is $100,000, for a second offense it is $250,000, and for a third offense it is $500,000.
With the passage of the new regulations, all SEC schools essentially had a fresh start. Since the Gamecocks were viewed as first-time offenders, the school was assessed a $100,000 fine.
MEMPHIS BASKETBALL PLAYER IS SHIRTLESS TULANE FAN’S AFTER STORMING COURT IN WILD SCENE
When the game was over, fans rushed through the yellow rope line. Dawn Staley, the women’s basketball coach, and a few players from her squad were among those rejoicing on the court. Six-time WNBA All-Star Staley has won seven SEC tournament titles with South Carolina’s women’s basketball team.
Additionally, Staley led the Gamecocks to two NCAA Division I Tournament titles.
Harris Pastides, a former president of the university, was also seen having fun on the court. Pastides wrote on social media that, following significant victories, he was required to pay a fine during his tenure.
“This time it was free for me so I joined the crowd,” wrote the author.
