The Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced Sunday that the University of Texas will face a financial penalty and must adhere to specific requirements after the October 19 football game against the University of Georgia was disrupted by fans throwing debris onto the field. This incident caused a delay during the third quarter, affecting both teams’ play and endangering participants.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that such behavior is unacceptable at SEC events, and the conference is responsible for enforcing its sportsmanship and game management rules. In response, the University of Texas will be fined $250,000 and required to use security footage and other resources to identify those responsible. Anyone involved in the disruption will be banned from attending Texas Athletics events for the rest of the 2024-25 academic year.
Additionally, the University must review and update its game management and alcohol policies to prevent similar incidents, ensuring compliance with SEC standards. A report summarizing these actions must be submitted to the conference.
The SEC’s actions are in line with its bylaws on alcohol availability, which include fines and possible suspension of alcohol sales when disruptions arise. Although alcohol sales at Texas games will not be suspended at this time, the SEC reserves the right to do so if the outlined requirements are not fulfilled.
