Vanderbilt handed massive $500,000 fine after crowd incident following Kentucky win ahead of March Madness
A $500,000 fine has been imposed on VANDERBILT for permitting fans to swarm onto their court.
On Saturday, the Commodores men’s basketball team defeated Kentucky 74-69.
For the first time this season, the Wildcats were beaten back-to-back by Mark Byington’s squad.
Jubilant celebrations greeted the final buzzer as Vanderbilt celebrated defeating Kentucky, ranked ninth.
In defiance of league regulations, fans rushed onto the court to celebrate.
Vanderbilt will be subject to a $500k fine because this is their third infraction of the season.
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The amount will be given to the other team, in this case Kentucky, in accordance with league rules.
Following a collegiate football game in October of last year, Vanderbilt committed its first infraction.
After a 40-35 victory over Alabama, which resulted in a $100k punishment, fans poured onto the field.
Only a week ago, following the men’s basketball team’s victory over No. 6-ranked Tennessee, they received their second punishment.
After that victory, supporters flocked to the court, resulting in the institution receiving a second fine, this time for $250,000.
From now on, any more violations will result in extra penalty of $500,000.
Institutions must always restrict access to competition areas to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, and those with the appropriate credentials or authorization, according to the competition regulations.
“For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area.”
Jason Edwards led the Commodores by 18 points last Saturday.
Byington’s team now stands 16-4 after the victory.
‘WE CAN WIN ANY GAME’
This is Vanderbilt’s best start since the 2009–10 campaign.
Byington was in a celebratory mood when he spoke following the victory over Kentucky.
“At the same time, you know, I feel like we can win any game if we play the right way and stick with our strengths and our characteristics that are really good,” he stated.
Tomorrow, Vanderbilt will travel to Oklahoma to resume play.
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On Tuesday night, it will proceed to Florida, the fifth seed.
The next home game for the program is scheduled for February 8 versus Texas.