AP Photo/Wade Payne
After fans hurled objects at Ole Miss and the Volunteers during and after their 31-26 defeat at Knoxville's Neyland Stadium, the SEC fined Tennessee $250,000.
Tennessee's reprimand also includes other requirements
Not to be forgotten, Tennessee must use all resources available to identify those who have thrown objects. According to a spokesperson for the UT Police Department, there were 18 arrests and 47 ejections at Saturday's game. Adam Sparks from the Knoxville News Sentinel was informed by a UT Police Department spokesperson.
Tennessee issued a statement about fan behavior per Mike Wilson, Knoxville News Sentinel.
"I communicated with Commissioner Sankey throughout Saturday, and we discussed many things that occurred Saturday night. After the game, I said that the actions that caused the temporary suspension of play were unacceptable. A small number of fans' behavior has had unfortunate consequences on many fronts. Although I don't believe the conduct was representative of Tennessee fans as a whole I do understand the need for the league to take this action. Safety is essential.
"Some elements of the instructions from the league office were already in motion. A review of in-venue footage began this weekend. In collaboration with our campus partners, we continue to evaluate accountability measures internally and to develop an action plan and education plan for future gaming.
Wilson stated that items were thrown onto the field including soda bottles, beer cans and pizza boxes.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss' head coach, was struck by the golf ball. He also claimed that he was hit with bottles containing a brown substance.
As he walked towards the tunnel, he also grabbed a full water bottle.
Officials ruled that Tennessee's tight end Jacob Warren was not within the first-down marker for a fourth-and-24 play in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss was poised to take the ball back up, 31-26. But fan behavior caused a 20-minute delay.
The order was restored and Ole Miss won the victory.
Tennessee will play No. 1 Georgia on Saturday November 13.
