Greg Sankey exploring ideas to crack down on field storming

Heading into the summer, there is plenty on the agenda for the SEC. Texas and Oklahoma will soon be joining the conference and a revised schedule is needed. But one of the most important items for Commissioner Greg Sankey is fans storming the field after big games.

Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated recently reported the SEC is looking for harsher punishments of fans rushing the field. A few ideas were discussed in the report, including losing a home game or potentially forfeiting the game in its totality.

Sankey commented on the issues Tuesday, saying there are a ton of ideas floating around. Two of the previously mentioned ones were brought up by Sankey. Making the fine significantly more expensive could be an option as well.

“We’ve talked about doubling fines, tripling fines, quadrupling fines,” Sankey said. “People have said you should flip the site. People said you should forfeit the game.”

Multiple field stormings took place last season in the SEC. Tennessee fans partied like it was 2006 after taking down Alabama in an all-time classic game. Just two weeks later, LSU fans were on the field at Death Valley celebrating their own win against the Crimson Tide.

LSU was actually a two-time offender this past season. Brian Kelly pulled off a fantastic win against Ole Miss too, causing Tiger fans to celebrate with the team on the field.

People love storming the field, it’s a matter of fact. It’s been a staple inside of college football over the years when massive upsets occur. If any of them occurred at the underdog’s home stadiums, fans were going to find a way to pour onto the field.

Sankey believes that is part of the problem. Schools can receive these penalties all they want but until the “culture” is changed, Sankey believes field stormings will continue to occur.

“I would argue that part of what has to happen is we have to change the culture,” Sankey said. “I don’t think just passing a rule can stop it. People have to stop it.”

Safety is a huge reason why the SEC is looking to get rid of fans storming the field. Whether it’s for players, coaches, or even the fans themselves — jumping down from the stands and running around is not safe for anyone involved.

SEC spring meetings will take place in Destin once again, where some kind of proposal can be drawn up. Some kind of enhanced punishment is on the way, even if it’s just in the ideas stage at the moment.