SEC fines Arkansas, Vanderbilt for area storming

The Southeastern Conference announced on Sunday that it will fine both Vanderbilt University and the University of Arkansas for “violations of the league’s access to competition area policy,” or in layman’s terms, for not preventing fans from storming the field Saturday.

Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-1 SEC) scored the biggest upset in school history, taking down a No. 1 team in Alabama for the first time ever, 40-35. Meanwhile, Arkansas (4-2, 2-1) also recorded a top-five upset (its first in 15 years) by defeating then-No. 4 Tennessee 19-14 in Fayetteville, Ark.

In the wake of both upsets, as is customary in big wins, fans charged the field to celebrate with their teams. In Vanderbilt’s case, the fans took down the goalpost and carried it out of the stadium, eventually depositing it in the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.

After fans took to the field in Arkansas, Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas was attempting to exit but was seen on video shoving a male fan into a female and both fell to the ground.

Thomas apologized on Sunday.

“I apologize for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene,” Thomas wrote on social media. “Even though we got run into multiple times by fans while trying to exit the field, that doesn’t condone my actions or define my character. I sincerely apologize. I wish Arkansas and their fans all the best.”

I apologize for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene. Even though we got run into multiple times by fans while trying to exit the field, that doesn’t condone my actions or define my character. I sincerely apologize. I wish Arkansas and their fans all the best. Big O

— Omari “Big O” Thomas?? (@901_sxvxge) October 6, 2024

Per policy that was revised in 2023, Vanderbilt received a fine of $100,000 as a first-time offender. Arkansas was levied a $250,000 penalty for its second offense. The Razorbacks’ first offense was last November during men’s basketball season when fans stormed the court following an 80-75 victory over No. 9 Duke.

For conference games, the fines are paid to the opposing institutions.

Alabama dropped to No. 7 after the loss. Tennessee fell to No. 8.

–Field Level Media