Big 12 fines Arizona State $25,000 for 'field storming incident'

The Big 12 fined Arizona State $25,000 for the "field storming incident" that occurred at the end of the BYU-Arizona State football game.

After a huge stop on 4th-and-1 by BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker, Jake Retzlaff and the Cougar offense drove down the field with roughly a minute left to get to the Arizona State 39-yard-line. The score was 28-23, and the Cougars had a chance to score a touchdown and take a lead over the Sun Devils.

However those hopes were cut short, as Retzlaff threw a ball that sailed over receiver Darius Lassiter into the hands of Arizona State defensive back Javan Robinson.

Arizona State took control of the ball and the game looked all but over, as the Sun Devils chewed out the clock by dropping back and waiting for a sack. Fans were even lining up in the wings, ready for victory.

However, on fourth down with seven seconds left, ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw the ball far away with the intention of taking the clock down to zero. It sailed out of bounds and a wave of maroon and yellow stormed the field, celebrating their ranked victory over BYU. The goalposts were even coming down.

Only the refs were not calling the game over.

They went to video replay and found that the ball hit the ground with one second left. The game was not over and BYU would receive the ball near mid-field.

“There's no way,” Sun Devil coach Kenny Dillingham said to the refs.

But the refs didn’t heed him. Security, team staff, and even running back Cam Skattebo of ASU, helped remove fans from the field in what turned out to be a roughly 15 minute process.

Once the fans cleared, Retzlaff threw a Hail Mary to Chase Roberts from mid-field that came up just short and the game was officially over with Arizona State fans storming the field a second time.

No one on BYU was hurt, but the Cougars brushed shoulders with plenty of fans on the way out and trash talk being directed their way. Notably, one Arizona State fan got tackled and arrested by some police officers.

“The safety of student-athletes and all game participants is our foremost priority,” said Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark. “We will continue to work with our institutions on event management policies at all Big 12 venues.”

BYU coach Kalani Sitake made it a point to not get angry about the events.

“I hate getting mad at the fans. They were so excited to get the win,” Sitake said. “None of our guys are hurt. So there was no big issue there… I understand the fan’s excitement and energy, and it’s OK. I didn’t think they were too rude to us. They’re excited about their win.”