A DANGER! the producer informed fans of his policy of allowing contestants like Grant DeYoung to sit while competing.
On Friday, the Arizona clerk racked up three wins and $67,202 in total while conspicuously sitting in a chair during his games.
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Grant has been going strong since defeating three-day champion Will Newton last week.
On Monday, he faces Ivvone Zhou and Greg Meller for his fourth victory, practically qualifying him for the next Tournament of Champions.
However, fans can’t help but clamor about how the last big winner of Jeopardy! He is competing sitting in a chair instead of standing.
Grant is seated in a black swivel chair with silver arms and full back support, adjusted to the same height as his standing opponents.
It’s rare to see a contestant seated, and the choice wasn’t addressed on stage or mentioned on the show’s website.
‘SOMETHING WE ALWAYS OFFER’
Producer Sarah Whitcomb Foss talked about Grant on Inside Jeopardy! podcast on Monday.
“Fans have noticed that Grant is sitting in a chair during his games,” she said.
“This is something we always offer to competitors.
“We don’t ask why; It’s none of our business,” she added.
“If you want a chair, we’ll give it to you.”
The producer then read a statement made by Grant on Reddit explaining that he has arthritis in his back, which makes it difficult to stand for long periods of time.
“So there you have it!” she added.
Foss, joined by former champion Buzzy Cohen, used the podcast to discuss Grant’s overall winning streak.
“Grant has a bit of humor,” Foss said. “He doesn’t just look like Weird Al,” Buzzy joked.
Foss recalled that Grant talked to Ken Jennings during a postgame chat, and Ken asked him if he used flashcards to study.
The champion joked mercilessly: “I didn’t make the pink flashcards like I remember you did, Ken; we have the technology now!”
‘SOME ARTHRITIS IN THE BACK’
Grant took it upon himself last week to explain why he was sitting down when his winning streak began to air.
A large portion of fans posted about their decision to sit instead of play.
“Is Grant in a chair?” a user X of many snarked previously.
“Looks like we have another tall one, and his name is Grant, he was sitting in a chair tonight…” another speculated.
“Why do some competitors sit on chairs and others stand? Just out of curiosity, no complaints,” asked another Redditor.
Grant responded on Reddit, writing, “They give it if you ask.”
“I have arthritis in my back which makes it very difficult to sit still for so long.
“I wouldn’t expect every Jeopardy! contestant to reveal why they need one, but I don’t mind saying mine.”
Another user asked: “Do they let you work at the supermarket? (That’s great if they do, I’m just wondering).
Grant joked, “Better yet, they let me walk and be in continuous motion, but Jeopardy hasn’t figured that out yet.”
Other users theorized that he was sitting down because of his height – which isn’t the case, even though he is tall at 6ft.
Grant explained, “Indirectly, you’re not wrong, I’m too tall for my own good!”
Grant also explained that he can’t turn 360 degrees in his chair because he’s too tall.
“A good idea, but my knees keep hitting the podium and I’d probably give them a good slap if I tried (I don’t think being 6’4″ looks that dramatic in the chair).”
Fans may remember 2024 Tournament of Champions finalist Troy Meyer sitting in on their games.
Troy started sitting in the middle of his initial run the year before.
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GENIUS GRANT
Meanwhile, Grant has impressed fans with his ongoing streak, which shows no signs of slowing down.
He went three for three on Final Jeopardy, a strength that proved decisive for champions like Ray LaLonde.
Speaking of super champions, Grant often says “What is” when selecting tracks, a page from Matt Amodio’s book.
Grant confirmed on Reddit: “There doesn’t seem to be anything to it, this was a blatant copycat move on my part to try and clean up the potential for wrong answers. It didn’t work.”
‘BORD OF TEARS’
Grant instantly caught fans’ attention with a whirlwind Q&A story about a car accident during his first game.
He revealed that he was hit by a car at the exact moment he found out he had taken part in the iconic quiz show.
Grant shared this on the right when he got the message about the big news – a car hit him on the road.
“I left work, got in the car, picked up my phone and it was sinking.
“I’m on the verge of tears looking at this, I got hit and ran away.”
Ken was surprised and his eyes widened, “’A car hit you while you were getting the message?!”
Grant said he was so excited by the news that he didn’t even notice the accident.
“Yes,” he replied, adding, “And I didn’t even realize it because I was, you know, engrossed in getting the text.”
“There were people coming up to me after [saying], ‘Are you aware that your car was just hit?’ and I said ‘No’ by holding my phone and looking at the message.”
Ken then asked if he was okay.
“The car needs some work, but I’m fine, thanks,” Grant replied.
“Grant can buy a new car!” a user X was happy at the time.
“Grant already won the Best in Show award for that wonderful hair,” joked another.
A third wrote: “Well, even after taxes, even the third place #Jeopardy money will help cover any expenses Grant has for that car.”
Clearly, he’s doing well, as he’s had three big wins and maybe counting.
Danger! airs at 7pm ET on ABC – check your local listings.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
