Hockey fan refused $50,000 for charity shot (VIDEO)

(CBS/AP) - Talk about going over the line. An insurance company is refusing to pay an Indianapolis contest winner who made an unbelievable full court hockey shot and was set to give his $50,000 prize money to charity.

They claim the man, Richard Marsh, stepped over the line and was therefore disqualified.

It is, of course, important to play by the rules. As the video shows, Marsh was over the line. But as the video also shows, he made the shot - a basically impossible goal from across the rink. And it's for charity!

The Indiana Ice, the minor league team hosting the event, have said they will make charity donations in honor of Marsh's ridiculous shot. Team owners Paul and Cindy Skjodt say their gifts to St. Vincent's Cardiovascular and the American Heart Association recognize the accomplishment of Richard Marsh.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should the insurance company buck up the cash or play by the letter of the law?

[pwccbs]

For all those concerned, it was the Good Hands People - All State. Apparently they only have their hands out for taking money from you, not handing it out!

[1pheasant1]

Source?

[grotte13]

THIS IS AN INSURANCE COMPANY, THEIR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO SCREW PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!
Give out the name of the Insurance company and see how many customers they lose.

[dbwhoaz]

Are there ANY reputable insurance companies in this day and age? I sure haven't come across them. But yes, please let us know which insurance company and that will be one crossed off MY list, as well. Especially after the guy said he was giving it to charity - the stand-up thing to do would've been to give it to him. These people who made this decision clearly have no brain cells and should be chastised.

[JazzyD104]

I agree with others when stating that he started in front of the line. If he had to start behind the line, some one should have said something. For him to make that shot, and into such a small hole, he should get the money. It seems companies want the attention of offering such opportunities, as difficult to achieve as they are, yet don't want to be responsible for the payout when some one succeeds. Very dissappointing.

[lkeefer3560]

I had similar experience. I played in a tournament and got a hole-in-one on par 3 that had sign saying any hole-in-one $10,000. I was told to hit from the women's tees and did. Tournament sponsor only only insured from the men's tees though. So, insurance refused to pay. I got a lawyer and ended up okay, but sure took the excitement/fun out of getting the hole-in-one.

[helloall34]

I agree with other people posting. It would be nice to know the name of this insurance company. I also would avoid doing business with them. It's a very stupid decision on their part. As soon as their name is released I suspect they too will come forward with a donation.

[MLCSawService]

Leave it up to another insurance company not wanting to pay.Don't surpise me a bit!!

[mlhc1950]

Print the name of the insurance company. I don't want to EVER do business with them.

[RODEONan]

I didn't see anyone telling him to move back before taking the shot. Maybe the insurance company could save face by going ahead and finding out the charities he wanted to donate to and then directly donate the full amount that way or at least donate half of the amount to Mr. Marsh's charity of choice.

He made the shot, in the video no one was telling him to move back or where to take the shot from and the mascot was even over the line, too. It looked like the two pucks were placed om the ice and that Mr. Marsh 'played it where it lie', to borrow a golf term ^_^

The insurance company should Cowboy Up and pay up. Just MHO though.

[bigfunguy73]

It's an insurance company. Of course they're not going to pay.