Big 12 levies fine, public reprimand of Arizona State for storming field after win vs. BYU

The end of the game between Arizona State and BYU was chaotic, with Sun Devils fans storming the field early and taking down the goalposts with time remaining. Now, in response to that, the Big 12 has levied a fine and a public reprimand of Arizona State.

In a statement put out by the Big 12, the conference announced that Arizona State would be fined $25,000 for the incident.

“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand and $25,000.00 fine of Arizona State University for the field storming incident that occurred during Saturday’s football game against BYU,” the Big 12 announcement read.

Commissioner Brett Yormark added his thoughts in the statement, emphasizing the safety of student-athletes in those moments.

“The safety of student-athletes and all game participants is our foremost priority,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “We will continue to work with our institutions on event management policies at all Big 12 venues.”

The final moments of the game between Arizona State and BYU were chaotic. Fans thought the game was over with a second remaining and stormed the field. In the process, they tore down the goalpost that would be needed for the final play of the game, causing a relatively significant delay before that final play. On the final play, BYU took a shot at the endzone but came up short and fans retook the field to celebrate.

Given the circumstances around the game, it’s easy to understand the energy why fans were so excited to celebrate. Coming off a three-win season in 2023, Arizona State had little to no expectations for its first Big 12 season. That win over the Cougars was more than an upset. It ended up being the Sun Devils’ ninth on the season and put the Sun Devils in position to win the Big 12. Winning the Big 12 is then one step away from making it to the College Football Playoff.

Of course, for Arizona State to do that, they’ll need to take care of business in their final game against rival Arizona. However, the Wildcats have won the last two meetings between the rivals. That includes a 59-23 point finish last season.

For BYU, this was the second time in three weeks that the Big 12 reprimanded and fined an opponent of the Cougars after a close finish. That first incident was against Utah athletic director Mark Harlan for comments he made about officiating.