UMass announced plans to award a $10,000 prize to a student after a disagreement regarding a halftime promotional contest at a women’s basketball game. The issue arose over whether the student, Noah Lee, had properly taken his half-court shot during the challenge.
Lee participated in an event that required him to make a series of basketball shots within a 25-second timeframe, which included a layup, a free throw, a three-pointer, and finally, a half-court shot. He successfully completed all four shots; however, the university reported that the insurance provider responsible for the promotion declined to pay the prize after reviewing footage and claiming that the half-court shot had not been made from behind the designated line.
In a statement released on Friday, the university clarified its stance, expressing dissatisfaction with the insurance company’s conclusion. UMass decided to award Lee the $10,000 and also provide him with extra benefits related to UMass athletics. “After their review of the four camera angles we provided, they determined the half-court shot was disqualified as it was not taken behind the half-court line,” the statement indicated.
The insurance company, Odds On Promotions, based in Reno, Nevada, responded through an email communication. They stated that the university proceeded with their decision without submitting a formal claim. The company highlighted that they had not finished their 30-day process of claim verification and had not rendered a final verdict regarding the prize. “No formal claim or request for prize money was made by the University to Odds On in this matter,” the insurer emphasized.
Lee’s close friend, Josh Schreiber, who also serves as a broadcaster for UMass women’s basketball, revealed that the insurance company had informed Lee about the denial of the prize but offered an alternative package of tickets, gift cards, and UMass merchandise instead. Amid the unfolding situation, UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford asserted that Lee would indeed receive his payment, regardless of the insurance dispute.
“For all those wondering, we’re working on getting $10K to Noah,” Bamford shared on X, insisting that if a satisfactory resolution was not reached through the insurance process, the university would pay Lee directly. He also expressed appreciation for Lee’s support and acknowledged the significance of his achievement during the basketball event.
Support for Lee came from various quarters, including men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin, who reached out to him through Schreiber. Martin later endorsed Bamford’s decision by retweeting it. “I work for incredible people that always stand on the right thing,” Martin remarked, adding, “Just got out of practice and heard that UMass athletics stepped up and got it done for Noah. Everybody wins.”
