Vanderbilt fined $500,000 by SEC for letting fans storm court

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Vanderbilt was fined $500,000 by the Southeastern Conference on Sunday for allowing fans to storm the court Saturday after the Commodores’ 74-69 victory over No. 9 Kentucky.

Vanderbilt was penalized for a third offense under the conference’s revised access to competition area policy. The fine will be paid to the University of Kentucky.

The first violation — and a $100,000 fine — came when fans stormed the football field after a 40-35 victory over Alabama in October. The second - and a $250,000 fine - came a week ago after fans rushed onto the court in celebration of a victory over No. 6 Tennessee.

Additional offenses also will carry $500,000 fines.