ACC Fines UNC $50,000 After Court Storming vs. Duke
The Atlantic Coast Conference fined North Carolina $50,000 on Sunday for violating the league’s event security policy following a disorderly court storming after the Tar Heels’ win over Duke in Chapel Hill.
No. 14 North Carolina defeated No. 4 Duke 71-68 on Saturday night after Seth Trimble hit a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining.
The shot initially appeared to beat the buzzer, prompting fans to rush the court in celebration. After officials reviewed the play and confirmed time was still on the clock, fans were cleared from the floor so Duke could run one final play. Once the game officially ended, fans stormed the court again.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said members of his staff were struck during the court storming. Duke spokesperson Kyle Serba confirmed that one person associated with the program was injured but did not share further details.
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued a public apology later Saturday night.
“When they rushed the court, a number of people got knocked over,” Cunningham said. “But then we had to clear the court again. So, when we normally have something like just rushing the court and the game is over, we do have a line by the benches to get people off safely.
The ACC said the fine reflects North Carolina’s first offense under the policy, with the money going toward the conference’s scholarship fund for student-athletes.
