The Texas Longhorns faced a $250,000 fine from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) following an incident where fans threw trash onto the field after a disputed pass interference call during their 30-15 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. The SEC deemed the fine necessary due to the disruption it caused to the game and the potential danger posed to players.
The conference also mandated that Texas utilize all available resources to identify the fans responsible for the behavior and prevent them from attending any Texas athletic events for the remainder of the academic year. While the SEC will not suspend the sale of alcohol at Texas games, it retains the authority to do so if the requirements are not met.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey conveyed that such actions are unacceptable and cannot occur at any SEC event. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian intervened during the game to ask fans to stop throwing debris while staff removed the litter.
In a statement released earlier, Texas expressed regret for the actions of some fans and apologized to the Georgia team, the officials, and the SEC. The university’s leaders emphasized their appreciation for fan enthusiasm but insisted that such unsportsmanlike conduct is intolerable.
The controversy began when Texas safety Jahdae Barron intercepted a pass from Georgia’s Arian Smith, but officials called pass interference on Barron, leading to a penalty. Frustrated fans threw trash onto the field while viewing replays of the call, prompting a brief stoppage in play. Ultimately, the officials reversed their call after consulting on the field.
Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks expressed disappointment over how the call was changed, questioning when the official recognized his error and what delayed the announcement.
The SEC acknowledged that while the initial evaluation of the penalty was mishandled, fan reactions should have been managed better. The conference plans to require Texas to review its game management and alcohol policies and report back on how it will prevent similar incidents in the future.