South Carolina fined $25k for Storming - Make it Count

We heard just minutes ago that South Carolina has been fined $25,000 by the SEC for the righteous and justified floor storming from last night.

Here's an excerpt of the press release, titled SC Fined for Policy Violation:

The policy, which went into effect on Dec. 1, 2004, 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"

The policy, approved by all 12 SEC institutions, imposes financial penalties for violations in the sports of football, men's and women's basketball.  Institutional penalties are $5,000 for a first offense, $25,000 for a second offense and $50,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

This is the Gamecocks' second strike.

We're not here to quibble about the rules. They're in place, they take away from the enjoyment of college basketball, and we don't like them, but they are the rules. But let's make this punishment by the fun police worthwhile, eh? We'd like to bombard the SEC with requests to donate SC's fine to Haiti relief efforts. That should ensure speedy payment, and a positive outcome for all.

Tweet "send SC's fine to #Haiti" to @SEC_Hoops, and tell 'em @STFHoops sent ya.

**UPDATE** In fact, SC may already have the money, according to this quote from the Sports Illustrated post about the Storming in question: "Giddy fans came up to South Carolina athletic director Eric Hyman, handing him dollar bills to pay the anticipated fine the SEC levies for swarming the court."

We love you even more now, SC fans. Keep up the good work.

H/T to Stormy