Man Denied $50k Jackpot for Failing to Follow Directions

As Alex Permann sank a half-court, the 24-year-old student jumped in the air and pumped his fists like he'd just won the $50,000 prize. Unfortunately, there was one problem: he didn't follow directions to win the contest.

The rules are similar to most halftime shooting contests: make a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer, and a half court miracle in less than 24 seconds to win.

He hit the layup on his first try, it took two shots to get the free throw to fall and then he went for the half court heave, despite fans and the PA announcer screaming to remind him to get the three. He nailed the half-court bucket but didn't get the prize.

Watch the half-court heave.

Permann said after the game he was trying to focus on the shots and he wasn't paying attention to the crowd. He thought he won the $50,000 prize but he realized his mistake when people were pointing at the 3-point line.

"There was a miscommunication and I was given some instructions that didn't match the instructions the announcer said," Permann told the USA Today. "I was so excited to be out there that I didn't pay attention to what he said. I had in my mind what I was going to do before I went out there."

Tournament organizers talked after Permann's shots to figure out how to handle the strange situation and they came up with a compromise: Permann won't get his $50,000 because he didn't hit all four shots, but he'll receive tickets for life to the Missouri Valley tournament and four VIP passes and a three-day hotel stay for next year's event.

Permann admits he's disappointed not to be leaving with the money, but he's satisfied with the compromise.

"Overall, today was definitely a good [experience]," Permann said. "I'm happy they gave us tickets for life and all the other stuff. Money would be great but that's a pretty good consolation."

Click here to watch his shots.Man Denied $50k Jackpot for Failing to Follow Directions

Posted: Monday, March 11 2013, 12:11 PM CDT