AUSTIN, Texas – The Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced on Sunday that it would be fining the University of Texas (UT) $250,000 for its fans throwing objects and trash on the field during the third quarter of the Longhorns’ loss to Georgia Saturday evening. The disruptions resulted in the game being briefly delayed.
The SEC is also requiring UT to “use all available resources, including security, stadium and television video, to identify individuals who threw objects onto the playing field or at the opposing team.” The individuals identified as having been involved in the unsportsmanlike conduct will be barred from attending Texas Athletics events for the rest of the 2024-2025 academic year.
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Additionally, UT will be required to review and update its Athletics Department game management procedures and alcohol availability policies, as well as provide a summary to the SEC of its efforts to identify and penalize offenders and its plan to enact policies to prevent future similar incidents.
“The throwing of debris and resulting interruption of play that took place Saturday night cannot be part of any SEC event,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey in a statement. “The SEC is assigned responsibility by its membership to enforce its sportsmanship and game management policies and these actions are consistent with that oversight responsibility, including the financial penalty and mandated reviews.”
UT Issues Apology to the University of Georgia and SEC Over Fan Misconduct
UT released the following statement regarding its fans’ behavior at Saturday’s football game:
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 that was exhibited by some individuals throwing objects onto the field during last night’s game and sincerely apologize to the University of Georgia players, coaches and fans, as well as the Southeastern Conference and officiating crew. This type of behavior will not be tolerated.
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Respect, sportsmanship, and fairness are the values that drive our program, and we expect all of our fans to uphold these standards. We are committed to fostering a positive environment for all participants, teams, officials and fans, and we will take steps to ensure that this type of behavior does not happen again.
We appreciate the support of Longhorn Nation and are confident that, moving forward, we will continue to represent our university with pride and respect.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
