College Basketball Coach Implored Crowd Not To Rush Court After Upset

On Dec. 8, fans rushed the court after Missouri defeated then No. 1-ranked Kansas. The SEC fined the university $250,000 for its first violation of the conference's access to area of competition policy.

A second infracture would have forced Missouri to pay $500,000 to Alabama. Gates didn't want his program losing money that could go to roster construction, but he was also concerned about everyone's safety.

"We need that money to go to NIL," Gates said after the game, per the Associated Press. "We don't need to be getting fines out there. But, to safety, I hope that becomes a normal thing when you are excited, which I credit our crowd for being. I just didn't want us to rush the court and get a fine."

While Gates avoided a sea of spectators infiltrating the court, his players swarmed him as he conducted a post-game interview on ESPN.

"It's all love, man. I love these dudes," Gates said. "They love each other. They do a wonderful job. I just credit them. You can look at the performance. They left it all on the court."

After the game, Gates sent a message to Missouri fans on social media.

"Thank you to our fans & our students for an electric environment tonight at Mizzou Arena," Gates wrote. "You made a difference with your energy from the opening whistle & this is just as much your win as it is ours! I also appreciate the students for putting player & fan safety first by not 'Rushing The Court.' You all make Mizzou Arena one of the toughest buildings in the nation to play in & I appreciate you all listening to this favor! M-I-Z."