SEC fines Mississippi State $500M for field storming after Arizona State upset

Mississippi State University was fined $500,000 by the Southeastern Conference for fans rushing the field and removing goalposts after their upset victory over No. 12 Arizona State. This penalty reflects the SEC’s updated policy implemented in May 2024, which sets a flat $500,000 fine for any field storming incident regardless of whether it is a first offense. The SEC commissioner emphasized the safety concerns behind the rule, noting that field rushing is disruptive and potentially dangerous for participants and officials. Since the game was out-of-conference, the fine will be directed to the SEC's Post-graduate Scholarship Fund rather than the opposing team, a departure from previous practices. Despite the costly fine, Mississippi State fans celebrated a rare win over a top-15 nonconference opponent, marking the Bulldogs' first such victory since 1991. The fine comes amid similar penalties in college football, such as Florida State's $50,000 fine following an upset win over Alabama, highlighting a broader trend toward stricter enforcement to protect safety and order at games.