University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne has proposed strict rules to the NCAA to halt the increased fan stormings following upset victories on the basketball court and football field. In recent years, there have been more and more occasions of fans and supporters running onto the playing surface—something that is dangerous to fans, players, and security.
Though some universities have expressed their desire to see fines given out whenever situations like this arise, Byrne has outlined his belief that more drastic steps should be taken to remove this trend from college sports.
What Was Greg Byrne’s Proposed Rule Change?
ESPN writers William Weinbaum, Maria Lawson, and John Mastroberardino detailed how various universities have been handling the recent situation and outlined Byrne’s stance on the matter.
“I don’t think, from a financial penalty standpoint, you can really put anything into place that would curtail it. I think it has to be other steps, other actions,” Byrne stated.
He then continued by explaining how forfeits may be the best and most effective way to stop the constant on-court and on-field fan rushes.
“I truly believe it…if we said that the home team, if they storm the field or the court, they’re going to lose that game right then and there, that will stop it,” Byrne added.
Are Forfeits the Best Solution to the Ongoing Problem?
Despite Byrne’s claims, other techniques may be less controversial than the one proposed by the Alabama athletic director.
Though it makes sense in theory, the proposed rule change would be extremely harsh on the players and coaches, who would be the ones most impacted.
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For example, if Alabama had just won the National Championship over their rival Georgia, and their fans entered the field, it would have been extremely cruel to the Crimson Tide players and coaches, who had just spent the past year working each day for the program, to be awarded a loss.
As field and court storming continues to rise in prominence, time will tell how the NCAA will handle the trend and what measures will be put into place to keep players, coaches, and other personnel safe.
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