[sickoflibs]

He lied about his age?

[GeronL]

if he is not eligible then he is not eligible

were the rules legible?

The idea that someone who is not eligible can get their prize held for them and pick it up in 6 years is ludicrous.

[ballplayer]

Quit being a whining liberal,the kid learned a lesson worth more than 20k,liberals only ignore rules when it suits them or the people they support.

[a fool in paradise]

“The great thing is that this kid beat all these experts out there,” ESPN spokesman Kevin Ota explains.

#WeeWeedUp

Smartest man in the room is not amused by this boy's shenanigans.

[fruser1]

Question #1 for me is what is law concerning minors participating in sweepstakes / gambling? The ESPN rule may be a CYA measure if it’s illegal.

Of course, no mention of any existence or lack thereof of any such law.

[Red Badger]

ESPN, owned by DISNEY................................

[MortMan]

Rules are rules — that’s understood. In this case, Sam used his Dad’s email address to enter his picks. But ESPN could slam-dunk this situation in a hurry by simply stating while the sixth grader isn’t eligible for his winnings now, he can use the money–put away in a trust–to apply toward a college education or trade school at age 18. As for the trip, that too can be used upon graduation. It almost makes too much sense…

Sure - they can set themselves up so that the rules never apply, and they can never enforce them. The kid violated the rules when he signed up. Therefore, legally, he was never an entrant.

[Do Not Make Fun Of His Ears]

“Rules are rules — that’s understood.” Apparently not, by the kid or this writer.

[ken5050]

Or a least a family vacation to DisneyWorld..

[FatherofFive]

no disaster here. He lied. He cheated.

[kevkrom]

1) Rules are rules. If he’s ineligible, he’s ineligible. period.

2) However, since he used his father’s email to register, I don’t see why ESPN doesn’t take the least PR-damaging move and declare the father the winner, with the wink-and-a-nod that the father actually submitted the entry and just had his kid make the picks. Unless there’s a legal issue I’m not aware of, that is.

[joshua c]

Probably found out the kid is a Christian

[discostu]

They’ve got more than a PR problem if they payout an underage participant. Those rules exist primarily for ESPN’s protection, that way nobody can decide they’re letting minors gamble. Cash payout prizes and minors don’t mix.

[Larry Lucido]

Dear Mr. Holtz:

We regret that the rules prohibit us from paying the winnings to a minor. However, in lieu of that, we will make a donation of a similar amount in your name to a charity of your choice.

Please let us know to which charity you choose to have this amount go.

Sincerely,
ESPN

[Rodamala]

"SportsCenter offered to let him anchor an episode of the show."

Get a contract lawyer that specializes in professional contracts for child stars and rock that night on SportsCenter, son. Spot should be enough to cover your expenses. Make sure there is nothing about professional conduct codes so you can kick Olbermann in the balls and still get paid.

[newgeezer]

First, the author of this piece points out that ESPN is worth $50 BILLION. Then, he goes on to assume this is all about the $20K.

Doesn’t that seem rather... dumb?

Instead, doesn’t the $50 BILLION suggest that it’s NOT about the $20K? And, maybe there’s a LOGICAL REASON behind their 18-and-over rule?

More evidence that Mediaite is just another leftist POS.

[Fido969]

ESPN sux anyway.

[Sacajaweau]

I'd be more po'd to find he used my email to facilitate his "cheating".

And what happens when "daddy" starts emailing a couple 12 year olds.

The kid needs a lesson in integrity.

[Resolute Conservative]

So the kid cannot read. I assume the rules were posted.

[HiTech RedNeck]

My guess, they’re offering this visit to the kid while paying the prize to the next best entrant who was actually eligible.