Every season of college basketball is special in its own way, with rich traditions and shocking events unfolding over just a few months. One of the most exciting and thrilling moments after a big win is when the court gets stormed. Court storms are a time for celebration, joy, and jubilation.
Earlier this season, Missouri defeated No. 1 Kansas, their longtime rival. Head coach Dennis Gates allowed the Kansas players and staff time to leave the court to ensure everyone's safety. However, when fans rush the court, it comes with a hefty $100,000 fine for a first offense. This new rule was implemented by the SEC, but it hasn't stopped many fan bases. Just ask Vanderbilt, which has paid a total of $500,000 due to court and field rushes.
On Wednesday night, Missouri beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in front of their home crowd, marking their third top-5 win of the season. Before the clock hit zero, Gates took to the mic, pleading with the crowd not to storm the court.
After the game, Gates spoke with the media and gave his honest reason for asking the fans to stay in their seats.
“We need that money to go to NIL,” Gates said. “We don’t need to be getting fined out there. When you’re excited, which I credit our crowd for being, I just didn’t want us to rush the court and get a fine.”
The SEC's policy, oddly enough, seems to be working—for some teams. Others let their fans celebrate and deal with the consequences later. The main reason behind the rule is player safety.
However, Gates seemed to prioritize the changing landscape of the NCAA over player safety, reflecting the strange and ever-evolving times in college sports today. Now, the new era is calling for different ways of thinking.