in early 1955, santee came close to a four-minute mile of his own, with a time of 4:00.5, but he would never surpass this time. shortly afterwards, santee was suspended by the amateur athletic union (aau) in a dispute over his amateur status. aau rules at that time limited amateurs to $15 per diem expenses to cover food and lodging, and the costs of air travel. for three track meets over a nine-day period in may 1955, santee had been paid $1,127.85 of expenses