The age-old tradition of fans rushing onto the field or court after a major victory is under scrutiny. University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne has suggested a drastic solution to enhance safety and discourage this practice.

Celebratory field and court storming, while exciting for fans, presents safety risks for everyone involved, sometimes escalating to property damage and even altercations. Byrne's proposal? An immediate forfeit for the home team if their fans storm the field or court.

Fans celebrating Tennessee's victory over Alabama at Neyland Stadium highlight the prevalence of this practice. (Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Byrne acknowledges potential criticism but believes the safety benefits outweigh the drawbacks. He's open to alternative solutions, but emphasizes the need for change. Current penalties, like the SEC's tiered fine system (starting at $100,000 and escalating with subsequent offenses), haven't effectively deterred these incidents.

Oregon Ducks fans celebrate a win, illustrating the widespread nature of field storming across college sports. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue, hinted at broader support for stricter measures within the conference. Recent incidents involving fan-player interactions, including an altercation involving former Alabama player Jermaine Burton and a Tennessee fan, underscore the potential for such celebrations to turn negative.

Greg Byrne navigating the crowd after a game emphasizes the proximity of fans and officials. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The debate continues as college sports seeks effective strategies to manage post-game celebrations while prioritizing the safety of players, officials, and fans alike.