SEC Issues Sanctions: Select Tennessee Volunteers Fans Suspended from Attending Upcoming Home Game Following Code of Conduct Violations”…read more…

“SEC Issues Sanctions: Select Tennessee Volunteers Fans Suspended from Attending Upcoming Home Game Following Code of Conduct Violations”…read more…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — June 26, 2025

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has taken disciplinary action against a select group of Tennessee Volunteers fans, suspending them from attending the team’s next home football game at Neyland Stadium. The decision follows a series of reported code of conduct violations that occurred during the Vols’ most recent matchup against Georgia.

According to an official statement released by the SEC on Wednesday, the violations included throwing objects onto the field, using offensive language toward visiting fans and players, and disregarding stadium safety protocols. The league emphasized that these behaviors were “in direct conflict with the SEC Fan Code of Conduct” and stated that the penalties were intended to uphold the safety and integrity of the gameday experience.

“While the vast majority of Tennessee fans represent their university with pride and respect, a small group’s actions crossed the line and required disciplinary response,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The SEC remains committed to ensuring that all fans — home or away — can enjoy games in a secure and respectful environment.”

The university has cooperated fully with the SEC’s investigation and has already identified several individuals through security footage, stadium personnel reports, and fan-submitted complaints. As a result, those individuals will not be permitted entry to Neyland Stadium for the Volunteers’ upcoming home game against South Carolina, scheduled for October 4. Further incidents could lead to more severe penalties, including season-long bans or legal consequences.

Tennessee Athletics Director Danny White addressed the situation in a public statement: “We appreciate our fans’ passion and their fierce support of the Vols, but we must draw a clear line when it comes to behavior that endangers others or tarnishes the program’s reputation. We support the SEC’s decision and will continue to promote a safe and positive environment at our venues.”

The announcement sparked mixed reactions among fans. Many on social media applauded the SEC for holding individuals accountable and preventing broader punishments for the fanbase. Others criticized the decision as excessive or selectively enforced.

“I’ve been going to Vols games for 30 years,” said Knoxville resident Jason Mercer. “You can be loud, proud, and rowdy — but when people are throwing things on the field or picking fights, it ruins it for everyone.”

The Tennessee football program, currently enjoying a strong 4–1 start to the season under head coach Josh Heupel, hopes to move past the controversy and keep focus on their SEC title hopes. Coach Heupel briefly addressed the incident during his weekly media availability, saying, “We love our fans — they create one of the best atmospheres in college football. But we all have to do our part to represent Tennessee the right way.”

The university has also reminded fans of the “Vols Code,” a campaign launched in 2023 promoting respectful behavior, sportsmanship, and volunteer spirit.

With Neyland Stadium expecting another sell-out crowd in two weeks, Tennessee officials are urging all attendees to be mindful of conduct policies and help ensure that Rocky Top remains a place where passion and pride never come at the cost of respect and safety.

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