Over the weekend, a story came out of Iowa City about a prize awarded in a charity golf tournament. Tournament orgaziners had declared that one of the holes would feature a $25,000 prize toward the purchase of a new vehicle to any participant who could drain a hole in one.

University of Iowa star quarterback stepped up with his 6-iron and promptly sank the shot. He was then informed by Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby that he would be unable to accept the prize because of his remaining year of eligibility.

I understand the argument for rules regarding "improper benefits" and the hope to keep college athletics free of the influence of agents and businesses and to keep the game "pure." However, just where has the line in the sand been drawn? Should this really be an apples to apples comparison for what's been reported in the Reggie Bush allegations?

In this case, tournament organizers (and obviously, the University of Iowa with Bowlsby's presence) felt this was a worthy cause and used Tate's status in the community to help boost attendance and therefore contributions to the charity. Then, because he's able to achieve the objective, which was open to all participants in the tournament and not a wink-wink, hush-hush deal made with him privately, Tate can't accept his prize?

It was a contest of skill, not a reward from a booster or giveaway to all participants in the tournament. He earned it with an ace on that par three, 178-yard hole. Is one to argue that his athleticism and skill on the football field helped him to sink that shot?

No disrespect to Charles Barkley, but has anyone seen the man swing a golf club? He could whip me no doubt, but I'm just making the featured athlete comparison here.

Tate acknowledged the role in Iowa football for his entrance to the tournament and understood about the prize. There's no doubt that that's why he was there.

I just don't understand why he can't win too.

The NCAA and its member colleges rake in big bucks from television and sponsorship deals annually. The players give their bodies and essentially every waking moment to the program. Campus bookstores can sell their jerseys and produce posters, trading card sets and countless other items that pay tribute to them on the field. Think of all the USC #5 jerseys out in circulation, or look back to the #6 worn at Iowa by Tim Dwight. Seemingly every kid in the state of Iowa owned one of those.

And yet he can't win the car off a hole in one.

If Tate heads to 7-11 and wins $25,000 on a scratch-off, will an NCAA rep be lurking under the counter to take the ticket away, claiming it was bought on his scholarship money?

Where's the line?