South Carolina earned a $25,000 fine after fans rushed the court following the team’s 68-62 win against No. 1 Kentucky, according to an Associated Press report.
Fans celebrated with the team immediately after the final buzzer sounded, which violates an SEC policy intended to prevent mayhem that could endanger fans, coaches, referees or players. The rule was a product of the madness in Detroit when a fan threw a beer onto Ron Artest, then of the Indiana Pacers, and a players vs. fans brawl erupted.
On Tuesday, Kentucky coach John Calipari immediately left the floor instead of shaking hands the South Carolina team. The rule stands in place to especially protect members of the opposing team, who must navigate a path through unruly celebrating fans to the locker room. They’re not happy about losing; hundreds of fans are delirious about winning. It’s a volatile mix.
“This policy is designed to create a safe environment for everyone who participates and attends our athletic contests,” SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement. “The security and protection of our student athletes, coaches, officials and fans is our primary concern.”
Despite the rule, it’s hard to find an appropriate release for thousands of emotional fans. Devan Downey, who led South Carolina to the victory with 30 points, encouraged fans to join the team on the court.
Downey pointed to the crowd, yelling “I told you so” after the win. When asked about a potential SEC fine Tuesday night, he smiled and said, “I’m pretty sure the university’s got some money somewhere to pay the fine.”
“I’m not saying it’s right, wrong or whatever, but when you beat a No. 1 team in the country, you want to remember that moment in a special way,” he said. “Yeah, I told them to come on the court.”
