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OKC Thunder Fan Wins, Could Lose Spot On Kansas Team

Cameron Rodriguez
Southwestern College, KS Athletics

An Oklahoma City Thunder fan who hit a half-court shot for $20,000 may not be able to keep both the money and his eligibility to compete in college sports.

Cameron Rodriguez, a sophomore forward for the Southwestern CollegeMoundbuilders basketball team, sank the promotional shot Nov. 18 during the Thunder's home game against the Denver Nuggets. The 23-year-old is from Elk City, Okla.

Southwestern athletic director Dave Denly says the college's governing body for athletics, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, informed Rodriguez that if he kept the money he would lose his amateur status. The Winfield, Kan.-based school has appealed, asking if the money can be accepted in the form of a scholarship.

An NAIA spokesman says a ruling on the appeal could take two weeks.

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