Arkansas and Vanderbilt Penalized by SEC for On-Field Celebrations

The SEC declared on Sunday that both Vanderbilt University and the University of Arkansas will be fined for "violations of the league's access to competition area policy," or in simpler terms, for failing to prevent fans from rushing the field on Saturday.

Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-1 SEC) pulled off their biggest upset in school history, defeating the No. 1 team in the country, Alabama, for the first time ever with a score of 40-35. Similarly, Arkansas (4-2, 2-1) also achieved a major upset (their first in 15 years) by beating then-No. 4 Tennessee 19-14 in Fayetteville, Ark.

As is customary in major victories, fans rushed the field to celebrate with their teams. In Vanderbilt's case, the fans even took down the goalpost and carried it out of the stadium, eventually dumping it in the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.

After the fans stormed the field in Arkansas, a video showed Tennessee's defensive lineman Omari Thomas pushing a male fan into a female, causing both to fall to the ground.

Thomas issued an apology on Sunday.

"I am sorry for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene," Thomas wrote on social media. "Even though we were repeatedly bumped into by fans while trying to leave the field, that does not excuse my behavior or define my character. I sincerely apologize and wish Arkansas and their fans all the best."

According to the policy that was revised in 2023, Vanderbilt received a $100,000 fine as a first-time offender. Arkansas, on the other hand, was fined $250,000 for their second offense. Their first offense occurred last November during a men's basketball game when fans rushed the court after a victory over No. 9 Duke.

For conference games, the fines are paid to the opposing schools.

After their losses, Alabama dropped to No. 7 and Tennessee fell to No. 8 in the rankings.