ACC brings hammer down on rivalry week mayhem, fines North Carolina, NC State, and more

Shane Shoemaker

ACC brings hammer down on rivalry week mayhem, fines North Carolina, NC State, and more image

© Scott Taetsch-Imagn Images

Rivalry Week reached new levels of intensity last weekend as multiple college football teams across the country, and in particular, the ACC, were involved in physical altercations stemming from flag-planting incidents and other heated moments. The ACC responded on Monday by issuing fines and public reprimands to North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech for their roles in the altercations.

The postgame clash between NC State and North Carolina occurred after the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory in Chapel Hill. The visiting Wolfpack attempted to plant their flag at midfield, sparking a physical confrontation between players from both teams. The scene quickly devolved into a skirmish, with emotions boiling over in one of the ACC’s fiercest rivalries.

In Blacksburg, tempers flared even before kickoff. Virginia and Virginia Tech players engaged in a pregame fight ahead of the Hokies’ 37-17 win. The pregame scuffle added tension to an already high-stakes rivalry matchup.

In a statement issued Monday, the ACC condemned the behavior of all four programs, citing violations of the league’s sportsmanship policy.

“The Atlantic Coast Conference is issuing an institutional fine and public reprimand to North Carolina and NC State for the actions of both teams following the game on November 30,” the ACC said. “Separately, due to the pregame confrontation between student-athletes at Virginia and Virginia Tech, the ACC is issuing an institutional fine and public reprimand to both institutions.”

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

All four programs were fined the maximum amount allowed under ACC bylaws, with the proceeds directed to the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship account.

While the ACC acknowledged the passion inherent in rivalry games, it emphasized that the actions of the teams involved crossed a line. “The ACC considers this matter closed and will have no further comment,” the statement concluded.

These fines and reprimands serve as a reminder of the league’s commitment to maintaining sportsmanship, even amid the heightened emotions of rivalry games. Whether on the field or in pregame moments, the ACC has made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Shane Shoemaker

Shane Shoemaker began his career as an editorial writer for ClutchPoints, covering college football, the NFL and MLB. His love for sports took off at age 5, when his dad began taking him all over the country to watch the Atlanta Braves and later, the Miami Hurricanes football team — fueling his passion for experiencing new stadiums. Although a lifelong Tennessean, he remains unaffiliated with local teams, even after writing for Vols Wire. Shane holds a BA in Communications/Journalism from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and never misses a chance to mention the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series win.