These new rules are BS. I had to pass up a bit of money when I was in college to retain my eligibility which could have seriously helped me survive once I graduated. I easily passed up $5,000 plus its pennies now but at the time it could have really helped me not have to rely on family while I was reinventing myself right after school. It also would have prevented me from trashing my body running crazy distances that I was not ready for. I was an 800m/1500m man in college. I immediately won $2,500, $5,000, and then an additional
$2,500 in a marathon debut that I was not ready for all just to eat. Plus, the $5,000 I passed up I could have had $15,000 put away so I didn’t have work some stupid job as a bar back and waiting tables for survival. I eventually joined the military because I got sick of the rat race. Now it’s like here keep all the money you get. I might be alone on this, but I think it is bogus because for those of us that did win some pro track races in college and passed up the paychecks might feel like we got ripped off when now money is allowed. Don’t get me wrong I personally feel if you earn it you should keep it I just think it is a kick in the face to those of us that had to pass up our earned jackpots when we earned it fair and square.