SEC Fines Mississippi State for “Noisemakers”

The Southeastern Conference has imposed a $25,000 fine upon Mississippi State University for violation of the SEC’s Artificial Noisemaker Policy during the 2013 football season, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive announced on Friday.

The SEC approved the use of artificial noisemakers “at football contests played on the campus of an institution with a traditional institutional noise maker” in 2010. The policy states an institution shall submit to the Commissioner an annual use plan explaining how traditional institutional noise makers shall be governed to ensure compliance with SEC Bylaw 30.22.1.5.

According to the bylaw, violations “shall be evaluated following the season for the imposition of fines as follows: 1st offense: an institutional fine of $5,000; 2nd offense: an institutional fine of up to $25,000; 3rd or subsequent offense: an institutional fine of up to $50,000.”

“By virtue of the current legislation, the conference has recognized this long-standing tradition at Mississippi State,” said SEC commissioner Mike Slive.  “It should be noted, however, that continued violation of the policy could lead not only to substantially higher financial penalties for the institution, but also to a review of the existing legislation concerning artificial noisemakers.”

Mississippi State was last cited for violation of the current policy following the 2010 season.