Student Scoops Free Car Lease Victory After Car Dealer’s Sportsmanship Stuns in Online Football Contest
Auto Dealer Faces Backlash After Reneging on Reward to College Student
A Surprise Twist in the "Kicks for Cash" Contest
In a shocking turn of events, a major auto dealer in Indiana faced intense backlash after reneging on a reward to a college student who won a contest at a Purdue University football game. Zachary Spangler, a junior at Purdue, competed in the "Kicks for Cash" contest and made all three field goals within 30 seconds, winning a free two-year car lease. However, the dealership, Rohrman Automotive Group, disputed the win, claiming Spangler missed the final kick by a fraction of a second.
The "Kicks for Cash" Contest
The contest was held during the opening game of the season at Purdue University, where Rohrman Automotive Group offered a student who could complete three field goals within 30 seconds a free two-year car lease. Spangler, a farm management student, stepped up to the plate and made all three goals, with the crowd erupting in cheers. Despite this, the dealership disputed the win, citing a 0.05-second discrepancy in the timing of the final kick.
Rohrman’s Initial Response
In an email, the Director of Operations at Bob Rohrman Honda, Trey Rohrman, informed Spangler that the game’s video footage showed the last kick was booted a fraction of a second late. According to Automotive News, Spangler was told that the kick was "five-hundredths of a second late." This led to the dealership offering a paltry consolation prize of $250 instead of the promised two-year lease.
Outrage and Backlash
The news sparked outrage among students and the public, with many calling out Rohrman’s decision as unfair and misleading. Spangler’s fellow students were furious, with one student, according to The Exponent, exclaiming "That’s bullshit!" when learning of the decision.
Rival Dealerships Step In
In a show of solidarity, rival dealerships began offering Spangler free two-year leases. Even a local restaurant got in on the action, offering him a year of free burgers. The backlash proved too much for Rohrman, and the dealership ultimately decided to offer Spangler the prize, admitting that his "incredible kicks should be rewarded."
The Final Verdict
In the end, Spangler chose to take a $5,000 prize instead of the free two-year lease. Rohrman Automotive Group, however, will donate $5,000 to Purdue’s Ross-Ade Brigade to help fund student travel to away games. Let this be a lesson to major auto dealers: never underestimate the power of student passion and determination.
[Image: A photo of the Purdue University football stadium during the game]
[Image: A photo of Zachary Spangler in action during the contest]
