OPINION:
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was glad to see his fans storm the field following the Buffaloes’ 24-17 win over No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday, despite the likely pending fine from Big 12 officials.
“Is it a fine?” Sanders said to reporters after the game. “Come on, man. That ain’t right. I want to see the kids rush the field. I absolutely love it.”
Athletic conferences throughout the country have started cracking down on field-storming in recent years due to safety concerns. When Virginia defeated Florida State last month, the subsequent swarm of fans on the field led to 19 injuries, according to multiple reports. The Cavaliers also faced a $50,000 fine from the ACC.
Sanders’ Colorado could face a similar punishment from the Big 12. It would be the university’s second fine of the season due to the actions of football fans. The conference levied a $50,000 fine last month due to anti-Mormon chants during a game against BYU.
Pleas from Colorado’s public address announcer fell on deaf ears. The fans rushed the field as the game ended.
“I mean, hats off to our security team. They do a good job ushering me in [to the locker room],” Sanders said. “But I love to see it. I really do.”
Colorado received a $25,000 fine for a similar incident last season. A subsequent field-storming could feature a financial punishment that is twice as steep.
“How is it $50,000 for rushing the field?” Sanders said. “Wow. Shoot. I’m sorry. Wow, fifty grand.”
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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