Gabe Ikard has gotten incredible value out of $5.
The former Oklahoma offensive lineman, who was at the center of a rather ridiculous NCAA violation because he ate too much pasta at a graduation banquet, has gotten more publicity than he could have ever asked for because of the story.
Ikard donated $5 to charity to make up for his extra helping, but the story didn't stop there. When Olive Garden caught wind of this, the restaurant had some fun at the NCAA's expense.
@GabeIkard We heard about your #pastagate situation. We'd be happy to sell you this shirt for just $3.83. pic.twitter.com/kDGzodptmf
— Olive Garden (@olivegarden) February 20, 2014
Once Olive Garden found out that Ikard is a fan of the restaurant's Never Ending Pasta Bowl, it arranged to have some food sent to his hotel room in Indianapolis, where he was working out for teams at the NFL Combine.
And the result was glorious:
#PastaGate has its advantages.
Shout out to @olivegarden for hooking us up with 4 full bags of food! pic.twitter.com/orrdzoIEXe
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) February 21, 2014
Is it a coincidence that Ikard put in a solid performance after downing all that pasta? Decide for yourself.
Best times of all offensive linemen in the short shuttle and 3 cone. I'll take it!
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) February 22, 2014
