Controversy Erupts Over Purdue Student’s Kicks for Cash Contest
Football season is in full swing, and Purdue University recently held a Kicks for Cash competition that has sparked controversy. The Rohrman Automotive Group, the dealership responsible for awarding the prize, is facing backlash after refusing to honor a student’s victory due to a minor technicality.
Technicality Costs Purdue Student a Car Lease
Zachary Spangler, a Purdue student, successfully kicked 20, 30, and 40-yard field goals, making him eligible to win a two-year car lease from the Rohrman Automotive Group. However, the dealership claimed that Spangler’s 40-yard kick was five-hundredths of a second too late, voiding his victory.
Dealership’s Explanation and Video Evidence
The director of operations at Bob Rohrman Honda, a part of the Rohrman Automotive Group, emailed Spangler to inform him that their insurance company reviewed the event’s video footage. According to their analysis, the 40-yard field goal was not kicked in time by a margin of five one-hundredths of a second. The dealership also provided a video from four different angles, showing the kick with a 30-second timer. The footage allegedly showed that the football was placed with only 1.5 seconds left on the clock, making it impossible for Spangler to complete the kick before time ran out.
Controversy Surrounding the Decision
While the dealership claims that the technicality is valid, many argue that in football, as long as the kick is snapped before the clock hits zero, it should count. Several publications, including CBS Sports, have highlighted this discrepancy and expressed support for Spangler’s claim to the prize.
Student’s Response
Spangler, while not upset about losing the car lease as he already has a functioning vehicle, expressed frustration over the dealership’s decision. He stated that hitting the 40-yard field goal and being denied the prize due to a five-hundredths of a second delay feels unfair. Spangler finds it strange that the insurance company is splitting hairs over such a small time difference.
