Arkansas fined $250,000 for court storming in win over No. 1 Auburn

Eric Musselman’s shirtless on-court celebration with Arkansas fans following the Razorbacks’ upset victory over No. 1 Auburn will come at a cost. A hefty one, at that.

The Southeastern Conference announced Wednesday that Arkansas will be fined $250,000 for a violation of the league’s access to competition area policy, the school’s third offense. The violation occurred when Razorback fans poured onto the floor after the final buzzer of Arkansas’ 80-76 overtime victory over Auburn on Tuesday.

Arkansas fans storm the court after the Razorbacks upset No. 1 Auburn in overtime. pic.twitter.com/UO3m0adxoH

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) February 9, 2022

In the middle of the court storming? Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman ripping his shirt off and celebrating with the fans in an arm sling. Why not, right?

There's only one way to celebrate when you upset No. 1 🐗 @EricPMusselman @RazorbackMBB pic.twitter.com/rOhNJCOCx3

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 9, 2022

Arkansas was also fined during football season when fans stormed the field following the Razorbacks’ win over Texas in September. That penalty resulted in a $100,000 fine for a second offense, with a $25,000 fine handed down back in 2014 following the football team’s win over LSU for its first offense. Financial penalties were increased in 2015 during the SEC Spring Meeting, which pushed first-time offenses to $50,000.

Fines for violation of the access to competition area policy are deposited into the SEC Post-Graduate Scholarship Fund, per league policy.

“Access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times,” the league policy states. “For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.”

Was it worth it for the Razorbacks? Probably.

With the win Arkansas moved to 19-5 on the year and 8-3 in the SEC. No. 1 Auburn, meanwhile, fell to 22-2 on the year and 10-1 in the SEC.