Kentucky fined for fans timely rushing field against LSU

The Southeastern Conference fined the University of Kentucky for the fifth time this year for its fans rushing the field, this time after Saturday’s victory over top-ranked LSU.  Mitch Barnhart and his athletic department were previously fined following monumental wins against Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, Louisville, and Florida Atlantic.   

The overzealous crowd reaction is understandable considering this has been a year of firsts for Kentucky football.  Not only was it Kentucky’s first win against a No. 1 team since 1964, when then-coach Charlie Bradshaw led an aroused group of men to defeat Ole Miss, it was also the first time in its 51-year series with the Tigers that the Wildcat fans rushed the field upon the game being completely finished.  Since the school’s hoops team has long been considered college basketball’s “Camelot”, the fans are excited the football team is finally having its Rock Hudson moment.

“I’m not sure what’s better – Jeff (Gordon) leadin’ the (Nextel Cup) Chase, my baby bein' born, or my Cats playin’ good football again,” said Kentucky fan Adam Reynolds, who didn’t take the field until 30 minutes after Saturday’s win was over to be safe.  “And better yet, Coach (Billy) Gillispie bonged a beer with me and a bunch of my frat boys before the game.”

Kentucky has another big game at home this Saturday against 14th-ranked Florida.  Barnhart, who is “fed up with this mess,” said that if Kentucky fans rush the field again, the fine will be deducted from Andre’ Woodson’s salary.

In a separate development, Barnhart may have another problem on his hands - appeasing the new basketball coach. When asked whether he was afraid the accomplishments of the football team would overshadow the start of basketball season, a despondent Gillispie said, "I can't talk."

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