Vegas Oddsmakers, Texas A&M and the Johnny Manziel Controversy
Vegas oddsmakers have reacted swiftly to the controversy surrounding Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Darren Rovell of ESPN broke the story Tuesday that Manziel had been paid $7,500 for signing approximately 300 mini- and full-sized helmets on Jan. 11-12 while he was attending the Walter Camp Football Foundation event. This is in clear violation of NCAA policy.
The effect a Manziel suspension would have on the sports betting world cannot be overemphasized.
From Grantland.com:
As of Tuesday morning, Johnny Manziel has a 33 percent chance of not playing at all in 2013, based on odds from online sportsbook 5 Dimes. If he doesn’t play, Texas A&M’s projected regular-season wins would drop from 9.5 down to 7, according to William Hill bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro.
Grantland.com points out that Manziel is worth 7 points per game.
“There is not a player in college football worth more points to his team than Johnny Manziel,” says pro bettor Chuck Edel told the site. “He was responsible for 70.5 percent of A&M’s offense last season."
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
