Here are some facts related to this dilemma:
1) There is a time-sensitive component to this decision; it's take the prize money or not. Not part of it, not turn in receipts over time, no 'trust fund,' etc. Choice has to be made or the money bumps down to the next in line. Same with Sisson and Stinson.
2) NCAA athletes can accept money up to actual and necessary expenses. Depending on Schrader's arrangement with USATF, he may have already accepted travel, room and board to compete yesterday.
3) If Brian intends to compete post-collegiately, the odds that he will sign a contract for more the $20k yearly are very slim. May seem hard to believe, but that is the market for male distance runners. That makes the prize money very real and hard to dismiss.
4) Collegiate runners showed well at the 12k championships in part becuase it lines up perfectly with the rhythms of the NCAA season. For many professionals .US is an add on that does not fit well into the yearly competitive seasons, but for anyone training with NCAA teams, mid-November is one of two yearly peaks. This has added an intriguing element to the race.
5) Diego is an NAU alum, and if he and Schrader work out a deal of their own that could run afoul of NCAA to as much of a, if not a greater, degree than if Schrader took the money himself. By nature of his connection to the program Estrada is considered a booster for life and has to be very careful of his steps.