Vanderbilt fans' euphoria moment after team's win has led to a hefty fine from the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
It was an evening to remember for the Vanderbilt Commodores fans! After 40 years without a victory against Alabama, the unranked Vandys stunned the No. 1 Crimson Tide in college football on Saturday. Seconds after the final knee in the game, the ecstatic fans stormed the field at Vanderbilt Stadium and ripped down the goalposts to celebrate the historic win.
However, Vanderbilt fans’ euphoria moment has led to a hefty fine from the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Vanderbilt will be hit with a $100,000 fine for storming on the field. This penalty falls under the SEC’s policy on access to competition areas, which prohibits spectators from entering the playing field at any time before, during, or after a game.
Also Read: The Commodores stuns No.1 Alabama in college football; Social media calls it ‘Upset of the DECADE’
Notably, this isn’t the first storming on the field incident for the Vanderbilt fans. The Commodores have been fined previously for similar incidents in 2022 and 2023, resulting in $100,000 and $250,000 fines, respectively.
In 2022, fans flooded the field following Vanderbilt’s football win over Florida in 2022, which incured a $250,000 fine.
A similar incident occurred a year later when Vanderbilt fans Invaded the field at Memorial Gymnasium after a buzzer-beating win against Tennessee in February 2023.
Vanderbilt fans celebrated the team’s stunning victory over Alabama by taking down a goalpost and marching it through the streets of Nashville before dumping it into the Cumberland River.
The Nashville Fire Department later retrieved the goalpost from the river. The memorabilia is likely to be cut up for fans to donate to the SEC fine.
The celebration was special for the home team fans as it was The Commodores’ first win in 60 games against the AP top-5 opposition. The hosts took an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter before Alabama fought back, closing the gap to 23-21 in the third quarter. However, Vanderbilt’s offense responded with a crucial touchdown pass from AJ Swann to Junior Sherrill, extending their lead to two possessions.
Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
