How's this for a house rule??

[Sparks]

This decision is so outrageously wrong, that it's actually hard to believe.

Once a winning hand is tabled face up, that player must get the pot. With that retarded ruling by the floorman, the player should immediately appeal to the manager and go as far as he must to have the house review the tape, determine the size of the pot, and award it correctly.

Your friend screwed himself by giving up so easily, if in fact he had the winning hand.

Sparks