Really...you don't find it strange that they would want 1/2 of an award which was not given to them?Did you read my reply? Let me repeat that since you seem to have missed it..."I'd have to see their reasoning before I'd describe such an action as strange."
If they were going to buy a new car, a new boat, or go to Europe,
like Michael is purported to have said he was going to do when his wife died, then, yes, I would find it strange.
When you can tell me what they were going to spend the money on, or why they wanted it, then I'll be able to tell you if I believe such a request is strange or not.