No Evidence Sportsbooks Were Alerted to Take Down Michigan Odds

A report surfaced earlier this week that one major American sportsbook was notified to take down Michigan individual game odds and futures in light of a sign stealing scandal that may have involved the upper echelons of team management.

There has been no evidence to support that claim, according to sources from three major American sportsbooks.

FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM were never notified of this claim, the sources indicated. The three sportsbooks represent the majority of market share across the American sports betting ecosystem, with FanDuel and DraftKings far and away the most important players in the industry.

The two books account for more than 75% of the nation's market share over the last quarter.

The report from Fox Sports radio reporter Aaron Torres indicated that "one major sportsbook has been advised to take Michigan lines off the board for the time being."

So far, no major American sportsbook has taken down any game or futures odds for Michigan football. The Wolverines are on a bye this week.

FanDuel — the nation's most popular sportsbook — has odds for Michigan to win the national championship, where the Wolverines are co-favorites at +250 with Georgia.

In fact, FanDuel also has lines posted for Michigan vs. Penn State (Nov. 11) and Ohio State vs. Michigan (Nov. 25) weeks in advance. The Wolverines are -5.5 favorites on the road against the Nittany Lions and -6.5 favorites vs. the Buckeyes.

The scandal is centered around one staffer, Connor Stalions, who is alleged to have run a sign stealing operation by systemically recording future opponents' sidelines, which is prohibited by NCAA rules. Stalions was suspended by the team with pay as the NCAA investigates the claims, according to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.