KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A huge victory in Knoxville for football fans on Saturday when the Volunteers football team upset Alabama, 52-29, sparking a celebratory rush to the field by fans who tore the goalposts down in their excitement, then carried them through campus and downtown Knoxville
After the storming of the field The Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced that they were fining the University of Tennessee $100,000 for the celebration, which marked the first time that Tennessee beat Alabama during “Third Saturday in October” since 2006.
Y’all remember how we tore the goalposts down, hauled em out of Neyland and dumped em in the Tennessee River?
Yeah that was awesome.
Anywho, turns out that in order to play next week’s game, we need goalposts on our field. Could y’all help us out? 🙏 https://t.co/NSMoL3SzPX
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 16, 2022
According to local media the Volunteers were fined $50,000 back in 2006 when fans stormed the court at Thompson-Boling Arena after the Vols defeated the University of Florida in a basketball game – meaning the latest fine is considered the second offense under the conference’s access to competition area policy.
Tennessee sent out a tweet to help raise money for new goalposts.
Tennessee had numerous donation options for fans. A $16 donation that represents the number of years since the Vols beat the Tide. A $52.49 donation honors the final score, and a $1,019.15 contribution plays off the attendance at Neyland Stadium (101,915).
University President Randy Boyd, celebrated with a cigar in his hand was asked about a possible fine,
“It doesn’t matter,” Boyd said. “We’ll do this every year.”
Randy, what’s that gonna cost? “It doesn’t matter, we’ll do this every year!!!” @Vol_Football @randyboyd @Vol_Sports @Vol_Sports @BarstoolTenn pic.twitter.com/eJm3bMScAq
— Hanes Torbett (@Tarheelbb) October 16, 2022
However, If Tennessee commits another violation, the school could be fined up to $250,000.
