Sports

Colorado Football Will Not Be Fined For Dangerous Field Storm Endorsed By Deion Sanders

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Colorado football fans storm the field after a win over Iowa State.

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images


The Colorado football program will no longer be forced to pay a $50,000 fine for storming the field against Iowa State. The Big 12 backpedaled on its initial decision despite an ugly on-field altercation.

The announcement comes days after criticism from head coach Deion Sanders, who was surprised to learn of the pricey punishment.

The Buffs hosted the 22nd-ranked Cyclones in Boulder last weekend and left with a 24-17 upset. It was the team’s first win in conference play. Fans celebrated by running onto the field.

Colorado was informed that it would be fined for the fans’ actions. Its head coach disagreed with the ruling.

Deion Sanders blasted the Colorado football fine.

“Is it a fine for rushing the field?” he asked after the game. “What is it?… How is it $50,000 for rushing the field? Who made that a rule? C’mon man. That ain’t right…

“I want to see the kids rush the field. I absolutely love it.”

Fines for field storming have become more prevalent in recent years due to player safety concerns. Incidents involving fans and opposing teams have led to NCAA action.

Colorado was initially slapped with a $50,000 punishment for its fans’ response. That decision has since been reversed.

The Big 12 informed Colorado on Tuesday that it “executed its field storm management procedures” and will not receive a fine for fans rushing the field after Saturday’s 24-17 win against then-No. 22 Iowa State.

-Brian Howell / X

Rules have been put in place to discourage attendees from leaving their seats, but it is not banned altogether. As long as opposing players have time to get to the locker room, all is good.

The Big 12 believes protocol was properly followed in Boulder. That opinion comes despite an Iowa State football player’s inability to safely leave the playing field.

An Iowa State player was accosted.

Chase Sowell, a former Colorado receiver, was confronted by a fan that attempted to rip his helmet from his hands. After being separated, with his headgear in hand, the pass catcher was escorted to the locker room.

The NCAA field storming crackdown was put in place to prevent this very situation. It failed, despite Colorado’s alleged rule following.

It was not the only dangerous incident of the day. Another fan was trapped under the field goal posts as he made his way onto Folsom Field.

Colorado skirted a $50,000 fine. Fan and player safety remains a concern.