6 Kentucky

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina has been hit with a hefty $100,000 fine by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the actions of their fans who stormed the court following the Gamecocks' impressive 79-62 victory over the No. 6 ranked Kentucky team.

The SEC announced the fine on Wednesday, just a day after South Carolina's men's basketball team claimed a historic win over its highest-ranked opponent at home in 14 years.

This incident marked South Carolina's first offense under the SEC's new stricter fines, which were instituted during the league's meetings last spring. Under these guidelines, a fine of $100,000 is imposed for a first offense, followed by $250,000 for a second offense, and subsequent offenses resulting in a staggering $500,000 penalty.

Despite South Carolina's celebrations, the SEC has reminded all members about adhering to the league's policies regarding court storming, emphasizing the importance of player safety and sportsmanship.

The Kentucky players swiftly exited the court without any incident following the loss, showing sportsmanlike conduct despite the disappointment.

South Carolina now faces the financial consequences of their enthusiastic fan base, learning the importance of maintaining order and safety in future games. The SEC's decision to fine the university reflects the league's commitment to enforcing the rules and ensuring fair play in collegiate sports.

The Gamecocks will aim to turn this incident into a learning opportunity as they continue their season amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.