Auburn fined $250,000 by SEC for storming field after Iron Bowl win

They didn't keep them off the field Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium -- and it cost Auburn a hefty fine.

Auburn was fined $250,000 by the SEC on Saturday night after the team's 26-14 win against top-ranked Alabama because fans stormed the field. The fine was incurred due to a violation of SEC policy against "access to competition area."

The $250,000 fine is a result of Auburn's third infraction. Fans previously storm the field during the Tigers' 2013 Iron Bowl win after the Kick-Six -- which also clinched the SEC West title -- and again last year, when fans stormed the court at Auburn Arena following the men's basketball team's upset of Kentucky on Jan. 16, 2016.

"It will be the sweetest one I ever pay, it will be," Auburn outgoing athletics director Jay Jacobs told AL.com. "And the last one I'll pay. I hope there are many more to come for Auburn."

The SEC rule states that "access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area.  It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy."

Fines for the infraction were increased during SEC Spring Meetings in 2015. First-time offenders are docked $50,000, while a second offense results in a $100,000 penalty, and third and subsequent offenses cost a school $250,000.

"The Conference has unanimously approved a policy requiring fines be applied when spectators enter the playing field after a game," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a release. "Fans are expected to remain in the stands and avoid the safety concerns associated with rushing on to the playing field. We want exciting experiences around SEC games, but also seek to maintain a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and officials."

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

from Auburn Sports Impact http://bit.ly/2hUQX2Z