Kirby Smart helps Georgia avoid hefty SEC fine for court-storming after win over No. 3 Florida

Following a Georgia win over No. 3 Florida on Tuesday night on the basketball court, it was football coach Kirby Smart who might have made the best call of the night.

Smart, who was seated courtside for the major upset, urged Georgia students not to enter the floor until Florida was completely off it when the final buzzer sounded. He did so with Georgia athletics director Josh Brooks, and it seemed to be effective.

The fans did not immediately rush the floor, but they did get to enjoy the court-storming experience afterward with Georgia players.

Kirby Smart and UGA AD Josh Brooks both talked to Georgia students to not enter the floor until UF was completely off. That saved Georgia a massive fine there.. pic.twitter.com/3lf9GN8NRo

— Rusty Mansell (@RustyMansell_) February 26, 2025

Most importantly, perhaps, the move might just save Georgia from a hefty fine by the SEC. Mississippi State just last week went through a similar scenario, and the SEC told the Clarion Ledger that it was not fining Mississippi State because fans waited until after the losing team departed the floor.

The SEC’s rule on court-storming doesn’t specifically mention a carve-out for waiting until after the visiting team has departed, but it’s safe to say where there’s precedent it will hold true here.

Below is the actual rule from the SEC, one Georgia looks to have narrowly skirted past.

“Each member institution must provide security and uniformed law enforcement presence around each team and game officials before, during and after the event to prevent contact with spectators,” the statement read in part. “The area where teams and officials are dropped off and their path to/from team areas must be secure and not accessible to the general public. In the event of a field or court rush, use of uniformed law enforcement personnel and equipment (e.g. rope, barricade, expandable tunnels) to secure a clear path off the playing surface for the visiting team, including their personnel (e.g. equipment managers), is required.

“If a field/court rush ensues, the visiting team shall forgo the post-game handshake line and immediately move inside the barricade to their locker room as soon as possible.”

Fines for violating the rule begin at $100,000 for a first offense, jump to $250,000 for a second offense and cap at $500,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

Georgia likely saved itself a good deal on Tuesday night. All while picking up a win that was massive for the NCAA Tournament resume.

That’s a pretty good night.