The Southeastern Conference responded to South Carolina's decision to have students and fans storm the basketball court after the Gamecocks defeated the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday.
South Carolina will have to pay a $100,000 fine for the actions of its fans in the aftermath of a thrilling 79-62 victory. The win marked the first time in 14 years that the Gamecocks basketball program defeated an opponent ranked No. 6 or higher at home.
The SEC adopted additional penalties at its meeting last spring. Currently, a first violation carries a fine of $100,000, a second violation carries a fine of $250,000, and subsequent violations carry a fine of $500,000.
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Shamcocks guard Taron Cooper celebrates with students after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats on January 23, 2024 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (Jeff Blake-USA Today Sports)
With the adoption of the new rules, all SEC schools are essentially back with a clean slate. The Shamos were considered first offenders, and the school was fined $100,000 as a result.
Violent scene of a shirtless Tulane fan punching a Memphis basketball player who stormed the court
As soon as the match ended, fans rushed down the yellow rope line. Among those celebrating on the court were women's basketball coach Dawn Staley and several members of her team. Staley was a WNBA All-Star six times and led South Carolina women's basketball to SEC Tournament championships seven times.
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Collin Murray-Boyles participates in a celebration after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on January 23, 2024. (Jeff Blake-USA Today Sports)
Staley also coached the Gamecocks to two NCAA Division I Tournament championships.
Former university president Harris Pastides was also spotted celebrating in the hardwood forest. After his big win, Pastides shared a post on social media saying he had to pay fines during his tenure.
“This time it was free so I joined the crowd,” he wrote.
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Court incursions have come under intense scrutiny since Iowa star Caitlin Clark was run over by a fan and knocked to the ground during Ohio State's Buckeyes-Hawkeyes victory last week.
Kentucky's players were able to leave the court relatively quickly, and no player-related incidents were reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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