Ole Miss Assessed $250,000 Fine After Fan Incident

The Southeastern Conference has issued a $250,000 fine to Ole Miss following an incident in which fans threw bottles and other debris onto the field. The action occurred during the second quarter of a 42-7 loss and briefly halted play. Conference officials determined that the behavior disrupted the contest and posed risks to participants on the field.

Policy Background

The penalty falls under existing conference rules on sportsmanship, game management and alcohol availability. Those guidelines specify that institutions face immediate fines and possible suspension of alcohol sales when cans or plastic bottles are used as projectiles. The conference chose not to suspend alcohol sales at the stadium for upcoming games but noted it could take that step later if similar problems arise.

Prior Precedent

A comparable $250,000 fine was previously assessed against another program after its fans threw debris and interrupted play during a contest.