Mississippi fined $250K after fans threw trash on field during loss to Georgia

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The University of Mississippi has been fined $250,000 by the Southeastern Conference after fans threw trash on the field and delayed the game during the first half of a blowout home loss to Georgia over the weekend.

In announcing the fine, the SEC said the objects thrown on the field during the second quarter interrupted competitive play and endangered participants. The penalty was assessed under the conference’s sportsmanship, game management and alcohol availability policies.

“The actions taken by the Conference are consistent with SEC bylaws and commissioner’s regulations related to the availability of alcoholic beverages at athletics events which state, ‘If cans or plastic bottles are used as projectiles or otherwise cause game management issues, the institution is subject to an immediate fine and suspension of the alcohol sales privilege,’” the statement said.

Ole Miss is not having alcohol sales banned for home games at this point, though the SEC reserves the right to do so in the future.

The Rebels, at the time ranked 12th, lost 42-7 on Saturday to the then-second-ranked Bulldogs. Georgia is now atop the AP Top 25, while Ole Miss fell to No. 19.

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