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Keith Carter calls out Ole Miss fans who stormed court early after Tennessee win, promises penalties

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•03/07/25•

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Ole Miss fans storm the court after beating Tennessee
© Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

When the buzzer sounded on Ole Miss’ upset win over Tennessee this week, the PA announcer implored fans to stay in their seats to avoid a $500,000 fine from the SEC. However, that didn’t stop a small group of fans from storming the court early – before the 90-second threshold.

As a result, the SEC levied the fine Friday. Afterward, Ole Miss AD Keith Carter promised penalties moving forward for future violations.

The Rebels have now been fined $850,000 this season, Carter said in a statement. He said the school is working to identify those who stormed the court early and said they could lose “game privileges.”

“Wednesday was a momentous night for the Ole Miss men’s basketball team,” Carter’s statement read. “Our program has experienced record attendance growth this season, and that is due to the love and support of Rebel Nation. Unfortunately, Wednesday’s special moment was marred by the unacceptable behavior of a select few in our fanbase that chose to impatiently rush the court before the Tennessee team and game officials had exited and before the crowd was welcomed to come down.

“These selfish actions have consequences, as they will cost our coaches and student-athletes valuable resources. We are being levied a $500,000 fine to bring our department’s total to $850,000 for the season. Additionally, SEC regulations dictate that this money be distributed to the opposing institution. With potential future fines continuing at a similar level, it is imperative that we take immediate action to end this behavior. 

“Our staff is currently reviewing postgame footage from Wednesday, and any individuals who are identified will face the potential loss of game privileges. Entering the playing surface without permission is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Penalties will be increased moving forward, including holding perpetrators on the court or field and revoking their game privileges on site. We are also exploring other avenues to hold those that break the rules accountable. Simply put, this must stop.”

Keith Carter: ‘We ask that our fans help us avoid future fines’

Court-storming remains a hot topic of conversation not just in the SEC, but around college basketball. Alabama AD Greg Byrne recently reiterated his position that forfeits should be in play if fans storm the court after big wins. However, another solution has emerged, and Georgia was an example of it in use.

After the Bulldogs knocked off Florida, a 90-second timer started. When the buzzer sounded, they took the court to celebrate together – and, therefore, avoided a fine.

Carter also implored fans to follow the rules about storming the court to avoid future fines from the SEC. He cited the need to avoid “losing resources” as a reason to do so.

“We appreciate the passionate support of the Ole Miss family and thank those who acted appropriately Wednesday night,” Carter said. “It’s exciting to see our teams celebrate with our fans, and as administration, we encourage it. However, it should only occur when explicitly permitted.

“We ask that our fans help us avoid future fines by adhering to rules and policing each other. We remain focused on creating a bucket-list gameday experience, but losing resources as a result of fines can no longer be a part of that.”