COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Southeastern Conference fined South Carolina $100,000 for its fans storming the court after the Gamecocks' 79-62 victory over No. 6 Kentucky.
The league announced the fine Wednesday, a day after the South Carolina men's basketball team posted a victory over its highest-ranked home opponent in 14 years.
The SEC adopted stricter fines at its meetings last spring. The first violation carries a fine of $100,000, the second violation carries a fine of $250,000, and subsequent violations cost $500,000.
The league wiped the slate clean for all members, so this counts as South Carolina's first infraction.
Fans quickly broke through the yellow rope line as the game ended. Among those celebrating on the court were women's basketball coach Dawn Staley and several members of her team.
I've paid a fine for storming the court after beating Kentucky before, but this time it was free for me, so I joined the crowd! The best students in the world! pic.twitter.com/nhbcF8B9w3
– Harris Pastides (@HarrisPastides) January 24, 2024
Also in the room was former university president Harris Pastides, who posted on social media who had to pay a fine during his term after big victories.
“This time it was free for me so I joined the crowd,” he posted.
The Kentucky players quickly left the court without incident.
