Auburn fans got stuck in bushes storming field after Alabama win; Auburn fined $250K
After No. 6 Auburn beat No. 1 Alabama on Saturday to clinch the SEC West and win the Iron Bowl, Auburn students and fans rushed the field.
Some got there a bit quicker than others.
While Auburn coach Gus Malzahn was being interviewed after the game, CBS’ skycam showed the struggles some Auburn students were having getting through the bushes that separate the field from the stands at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The kids who jumped over the bushes had the right idea. But that wasn’t doable for everyone. And some of those who tried to ford the bushes like they were playing “Oregon Trail” had a difficult time. If you look closely, there’s someone in an Auburn jersey swimming in the bushes at the bottom of the above GIF. Hopefully he or she is OK.
Auburn fans rushing the field is going to be costly to the school, too. A few hours after the win, the SEC announced a $250,000 fine for Auburn’s third violation of the conference’s “access to competition area policy.” Auburn has previously been fined following a men’s basketball game against Kentucky in 2016 and the Kick Six win over Alabama in 2013.
The policy says “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times.”
“For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area,” the SEC policy says. “It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.”
“The Conference has unanimously approved a policy requiring fines be applied when spectators enter the playing field after a game,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Fans are expected to remain in the stands and avoid the safety concerns associated with rushing on to the playing field. We want exciting experiences around SEC games, but also seek to maintain a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and officials.”
The win means Auburn will play No. 7 Georgia for the SEC title next week and a likely berth in the College Football Playoff.
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Nick Bromberg is the editor of Dr. Saturday and From the Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
