The SEC announced on Sunday it had handed down a $250,000 fine to the University of Texas after fans disrupted Saturday’s conference match up against Georgia. On top of that, the SEC reminded Texas it has the right to suspend alcohol sales from sporting events.
The SEC put out a statement on Sunday saying, “The SEC is assigned responsibility by its membership to enforce its sportsmanship and game management policies and these actions are consistent with that oversight responsibility, including the financial penalties and mandated reviews.”
The game was interrupted after Texas was flagged for pass interference with three minutes left in the third quarter, negating an interception by the Longhorns’ Jahdae Barron and a 36-yard return. Replay showed that Barron had barely contacted Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith before stepping in front of the pass.
Officials stopped the game as fans threw water bottles and garbage on the field after the penalty was announced. After the stoppage, the officials announced there had been no pass interference and it would indeed be Texas’ ball.
Here’s how it unfolded on Saturday night.
What Now For Texas?
Texas would score, but still end up losing the game to Georgia 30-15, but now they have to deal with the fallout of fans trashing the field.
Texas has been fined $250,000 by the SEC. The University also needs to do everything in its power to identify anyone at the stadium who was throwing objects onto the field or at opposing players. All individuals caught must be banned from Texas athletics events from the rest of the 2024-25 athletic year.
Texas also must review its Athletics Department game management procedures and alcohol available policies to prevent a repeat from Saturday’s showing in Austin. This will include an evaluation of agreed upon SEC Sportsmanship, Game Management and Alcohol policies to verify full compliance with existing standards, and following completion of this review, the University shall provide a report to the conference office to summarize its efforts to identify and penalize offenders and its plan to enact policies to prevent similar incidents while ensuring compliance with conference standards.
The SEC added that the conference is not suspending alcohol sales privileges for the University of Texas at this time, but reserves the right to do so if other requirements outlined above are not met.
