The University of Tennessee is banning 25 fans, including 16 students, from attending any athletic events the rest of the academic and athletic year for throwing things onto the field at Neyland Stadium near the conclusion of an Oct. 16 football game against Ole Miss.
The school also said it was taking steps to prevent future events such as the nearly 20-minute stoppage in play while officials worked to regain control of the stadium in Knoxville.
Tennessee athletic director Danny White, in a letter to Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey, said the changes at the venue include increased police and security staff in the student section; a requirement that students agree to the SEC and university fan codes of conduct to receive tickets; adding “enhanced” metal detectors; and making more announcements warning against misconduct.
Additionally, there will be no student guest tickets distributed for the Nov. 13 game against current No. 1 Georgia.
The SEC fined Tennessee $250,000 for the conduct of the fans who littered the field with objects. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, previously the Volunteers’ coach, was struck in the arm by a golf ball.
Ole Miss won 31-26.
–Field Level Media
