Vegas Oddsmakers, Texas A&M and the Johnny Manziel Controversy

Submitted by Don Shapiro on

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Don Shapiro

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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  

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