Man: Butt of jokes for years
Portland, OR -- Harry Butts could have been $10,000 richer. If only he hadn't had his name legally changed.
The 47-year-old steam roller operator, now known as John Crowe, tried unsuccessfully to claim the windfall prize in Portland's KUIK AM 1360's "Cash For Monikers" monthly contest which picked his old name as the winning name for April. The contest is only open to residents of the Greater Portland area.
"I was the butt of jokes for years because of my old name. Then I go change it and it wins ten grand. It's not fair," said Crowe, who was denied the prize by contest organizers after he failed to present legitimate identification. Crowe acquired his new name in January.
KUIK AM 1360 public relations manager Connie Darwell said Crowe provided an expired driver's license bearing his old name, which is against the rules.
"If it was a box of muffins we're giving away, then we might have let it slide. But we're talking about $10,000 here. Authentic, current documentation is crucial," said Darwell. As consolation, the radio station gave Crowe a t-shirt and a keychain.
The $10,000 "Cash For Monikers" prize was subsequently awarded to a woman named Chantilly Hardwood.
