ACC Fines NC State, UNC For Post-Game Brawl

Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

Following a major brawl following their rivalry football game on Saturday (Nov. 30), NC State and the University of North Carolina will pay up.

As reported by WRAL, the ACC announced on Monday that both schools were fined $25,000 each (the maximum fine allowed under league bylaws) for violating its sportsmanship policy. The conference also issued a public reprimand.

The ACC said, in a statement:

“The unsportsmanlike behavior that was displayed is unacceptable and tarnishes the passionate on-field play between these institutions.”

The money will go to the ACC’s post-graduate scholarship account.

Several NC State players, including defensive lineman Davin Vann, attempted to plant their school flag on the UNC midfield logo after winning 35-30. UNC players took offense, with wide receiver JJ Jones grabbing the flag and tossing it, causing the fight.

NC State and UNC’s respective athletic directors, Boo Corrigan and Bubba Cunningham, issued a joint statement on Sunday.

“We’re disappointed by the conduct of some members of our football programs at the conclusion of our game on Saturday at Kenan Stadium. While the game was emotional and the Carolina-NC State rivalry is intense, we must always display good sportsmanship and represent our universities and the Atlantic Coast Conference with respect. We will address this incident with our respective teams.”

The NC State/UNC brawl was one of several fights over the weekend during rivalry games. The match-ups between Michigan/Ohio State, Arizona/Arizona State, and Florida/Florida State ended in similar fights. All were a result of flag planting or similar demonstrations by the winning road teams.

This was also the second time an NC college football got in trouble for fighting. Nearly 40 players from both NC Central and Howard University were suspended following a post-game fight last month.