Texas fined $250K by SEC for beer can protest

First-year member Texas faces a $250,000 fine from the Southeastern Conference after fans interrupted Saturday night’s game against Georgia by throwing water bottles, beer cans and other debris onto the field.The SEC announced sanctions against Texas on Sunday. The university will also “be required to use all available resources, including security, stadium and television video, to identify individuals who threw objects onto the playing field or at the opposing team.”Those identified as having been involved will be banned from Texas sporting events for the rest of the 2024-25 academic year.The SEC further added that it will not suspend the Longhorns’ “alcohol sales privileges” for now but reserves the right to do so pursuant to its bylaws and commissioner’s regulations.The punishments stem from a bizarre scene during the third quarter in which the Longhorns’ Jahdae Barron intercepted Carson Beck and returned the ball to the Georgia 9-yard line. The pick was initially waved off due to a defensive pass interference call, prompting angry Texas fans to shower the field with debris and force a delay.While the game was delayed, the officials reconvened and overturned their previous call, letting the interception stand. Texas scored two plays later, but Georgia still went on to win 30-15.