Arkansas fined $100,000 by SEC after fans storm the field to celebrate the Razorbacks’ upset of Texas

Arkansas has been fined $100,000 by the SEC after fans stormed the field following the Razorbacks’ 40-21 win over Texas on Saturday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It’s the second fine Arkansas has received under the league’s access to competition area policy. It was last fined for a violation when fans rushed the field after its 17-0 win against then-No. 17 LSU in 2014.

The SEC rule states “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.”

The Razorbacks dominated the then-No. 15 Longhorns on Saturday night due in large part to a punishing rushing attack that racked up 333 yards and had four touchdowns from four different players on the ground. They averaged 7.1 yards per play and converted five their 11 third down chances and joined the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2016 at No. 20.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman didn’t seem to mind the reaction by fans at at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium that led to the fine being levied to his program after the upset over its former Southwest Conference rival.

The SEC updated its rule at its spring meetings in 2015. Schools are docked $50,000 for the first offense, $100,000 for a second offense and $250,000 for every other instance after that. The original policy was created beginning with the 2004-05 athletic season. 

Funds from the fine will go toward the SEC Post-Graduate Scholarship Fund.