Vanderbilt, Kentucky issued unsportsmanlike penalties after benches clear

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Both the Vanderbilt football and Kentucky coaching staffs were issued unsportsmanlike conduct fouls shortly before halftime after the benches cleared at FirstBank Stadium on Nov. 22.

The Wildcats (5-5, 2-5 SEC) tried a Hail Mary pass to end the half, but the pass was intercepted by the Commodores' Martel Hight. Vanderbilt players took exception to Kentucky's hard tackle at the end of the play and exchanged words. The benches cleared as both teams met at midfield.

There were no yardage penalties associated with the call because the penalties on both teams offset. However, if any coach on either team were to receive a second unsportsmanlike penalty, that person would be ejected.

Vanderbilt led 24-3 at halftime.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia had 279 passing yards and two touchdowns while Tre Richardson had two passing and one rushing touchdown.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt, Kentucky issued unsportsmanlike penalties after benches clear

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