Thunder fan who hit $20,000 halfcourt shot may have to forfeit prize money

You may have heard of Cameron Rodriguez, one of the two Oklahoma City Thunder fans to have hit a $20,000 halfcourt shot this season.

Unfortunately for Rodriguez, he may have to forfeit his prize money due to his playing days at Southwestern College. NAIA rules that state Rodriguez isn't allowed to profit off his athletic ability, and he's now looking to figure out his money and maintain his eligibility.

Per Bloomberg News:

The NAIA student guide says athletes cannot use their sports ability or fame for financial reward. John Leavens, the executive director of the NAIA Eligibility Center, said rulings on these cases typically take one to two weeks.

“It would certainly hurt his cause if he had tried to circumvent the rules,” Leavens said in a telephone interview. “The fact that he connected with the right officials to make sure that he understood the proper application of the rule is something that we expect, and we’re glad to see.”

Every one of Southwestern College’s 1,700 students receives financial aid through institutional grants to help with the $23,000 annual tuition, according to Brenda Hicks, the school’s director of financial aid. Rodriguez, who is on a $4,000 athletic scholarship, said he pays roughly $33,000 per year when he adds room, board, books and other fees.

If the NAIA says he can’t use the money as a scholarship, Rodriguez said, MidFirst Bank offered to donate it to a charity in his name. Rodriguez said he probably would choose between a non-profit set up to help the Southwestern basketball program, or a group through the Thunder’s work with local children -- “a thank you for the opportunity and the experience,” he said.

Rodriguez would have lost eligibility for at least a full academic year had he pocketed the money, according to Ed Loeb, a Southwestern math professor and faculty athlete representative. There would be no conflict if Rodriguez won the money in a non- basketball promotion, such as a long golf putt, Loeb said.

Best of luck to you, Mr. Rodriguez.