Pac-12 decides to not fine WSU

Fans+sprint+toward+the+middle+of+the+field+following+a+dramatic+comeback+victory.

ERIN MULLEN | The Daily Evergreen

Fans sprint toward the middle of the field following a dramatic comeback victory.

JACOB MOORE, Former Evergreen sports editor

The Pac-12 Conference has decided not to fine WSU for fans storming the field following the comeback win over Boise State on Saturday night. Bill Stevens, associate director of Athletics, said he spoke with Dave Hirsch, vice president of communications for the Pac-12 Conference.

Hirsch told Stevens and the Evergreen that the institution would not be fined for the field rush. The conference enacted a policy in 2016 to charge universities $25,000 for a first offense of field or court storming. That fine increases to $50,000 for the second offense and $100,000 for the third offense.

“In the event field rushing activities occur within 60 seconds after completion of a game, a fine shall be assessed,” Hirsch said. “If the visiting team, staff members, working personnel and game officials safely exit from the field during the 60-second time period, the commissioner may waive the fine.”

One fan, Thomas Dooley, initiated a GoFundMe account to raise money for a possible fine. $700 had been raised as of Tuesday evening, but the funds have since been refunded, Dooley wrote in an update on the page.

“All funds will be refunded 100% if no fine was levied,” Dooley wrote. “I want to thank from the bottom of my heart, each of the 53 people who donated over $700 in just two days.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Dave Hirsch’s response.