Four SEC schools were fined a combined $60,000 for inappropriate fan behavior regarding improper use of noisemakers and violating field access policies, ESPN reported. If that explanation resembles something like Ed Hochuli on a multiple yellow flag explanation, well, that's just because the rules on the issue are (mostly) solidly in place.

Every year, SEC schools are fined for the actions of their fans. Likely, they'll continue to pay the bill for storming the field after big wins as long as the penalty is only $5,000. Auburn was fined (and maybe an extra $15 for head coach Gus Malzan's stolen visor) for the big rush after the Alabama upset, which they are probably paying with pride. Missouri will also have to pay $5,000 for fans on the field, according to ESPN. The exact game in which the incident occurred was not referenced, but there's no way it couldn't have been the final regular season win over Texas A&M. That one was close (28-21), was their biggest home win of the year, clinched the SEC East, and put them in position to play for the national championship with a win over Auburn (a win they didn't get, of course). The #8 Tigers (11-2) will play #13 Oklahoma State (10-2) Jan. 3 in the Cotton Bowl, arguably the most prestigious non-BCS Bowl. #2 Auburn (12-1) will play #1 Florida State (13-0) in the national championship on Jan. 6.

Though Auburn and Missouri will probably continue to allow fans to rush the field, two other schools fined stiffer amounts may have to revise their policies. Mississippi State (6-6, including respectable showings against Auburn, 24-20, and Alabama, 20-7) and Mississippi (7-5, also played Auburn tough, 30-22, and lost 24-10 vs. Missouri) will pay $25,000 each for allowing their fans to use cowbells at inappropriate times, a seemingly lesser offense than the mayhem that ensues during a postgame fan romp. I'm still researching what "inappropriate times" constitutes, but I'm assuming the bells must be quieted before the opposing team's offensive snaps and/or when they're in the huddle, for they could give the home team an unfair advantage.

Yet, the cowbells, a longstanding tradition in both Mississippi schools, are approved by the NCAA, just with restrictions. How the two schools plan to crack down on the bells (if they do at all) will no doubt be a contentious issue between fans and the colleges next season.