HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

UNC slapped with $50K ACC fine after chaotic court storming vs Duke

www.espn.com - TOP •
×

The ACC fined North Carolina $50,000 on Sunday following a dangerous court storming incident during Saturday's 71-68 win over rival Duke. Seth Trimble's game-winning 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining sparked chaotic celebrations at Chapel Hill's Dean Smith Center, requiring two separate court clearings as officials reviewed the buzzer-beater.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer reported physical altercations during the mayhem, stating staff members "got punched in the face." A program spokesperson confirmed one injury but withheld details. The double court storming - first after the initial shot, then following the final horn - violated ACC safety protocols designed to protect players and officials.

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued public apologies Saturday night, acknowledging failures in crowd control measures. The university typically stations security near benches to facilitate safe exits, but the unprecedented sequence of events overwhelmed standard procedures.

The conference imposed the first-offense penalty under its revised security policy, with funds directed to ACC scholarship programs. UNC accepted the fine while defending its safety protocols, stating video review confirmed staff properly escorted Duke personnel offcourt. Conference officials and both programs now consider the matter resolved.

Quick Fact: This was UNC's first offense under the ACC's court storming policy.