The University of Texas at Austin was fined $250,000 by the SEC after fans threw trash onto the field during the Georgia game

AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) – The SEC announced it is fining the University of Texas at Austin $250,000 after fans threw trash and other items onto the field during Saturday’s game against Georgia.

During the third quarter of the Georgia and Texas football game at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, the game was delayed after fans threw objects onto the field.

“The throwing of debris and resulting disruption of play that occurred Saturday evening cannot be part of an SEC event,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. The SEC is delegated by its members the responsibility to enforce its sports and game management policies, and these actions are consistent with that oversight responsibility, including fines and mandatory reviews.”

In addition to the $250,000 fine, the SEC is demanding this from UT Austin

• Use “all available resources” to identify the people who threw the objects onto the field and ban those people from attending sporting events in Texas for the remainder of the 2024-25 season
• Review and update the athletics department’s game management procedures and alcohol availability policies, including “an assessment of the SEC’s agreed-upon sportsmanship, game management and alcohol policies to verify full compliance with existing standards.”
• Following the review, UT Austin will submit a report to the conference office that “summarizes its efforts to identify and punish offenders and its plan to implement policies to prevent future similar incidents while ensuring compliance with conference standards.”

The SEC said it is not suspending UT Austin’s alcohol sales privileges at this time, but reserves the right to do so if other outlined requirements are not met.

UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT President Jay Hartzell and Vice President and Athletic Director Chris Del Conte released a joint statement Sunday regarding fan conduct during the game.

The explanation is as follows:

“While we deeply appreciate the passion and loyalty of our fan base at The University of Texas at Austin, we do not condone the unsportsmanlike conduct of some individuals who threw objects onto the field during last night’s game and we sincerely apologize to the University of Texas players, coaches and fans of Georgia as well as the Southeastern Conference and the officiating team. This type of behavior will not be tolerated.

Respect, sportsmanship and fairness are the values ​​that guide our program and we expect all of our fans to adhere to these standards. We are committed to creating a positive environment for all participants, teams, officials and fans and will take steps to ensure this type of behavior does not occur again.

We appreciate the support of the Longhorn Nation and are confident that we will continue to represent our university with pride and respect.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

Copyright 2024 KWTX. All rights reserved.