“No formal claim or request for prize money was made by the University to Odds On in this matter,” the company said. “Odds On was not involved in the initial invalidation of the contest win and only became aware of the University’s decision to not pay the contestant through media coverage.”
Josh Schreiber, who identified himself as a UMass women’s basketball broadcaster and Lee’s best friend, said the insurance company told Lee he wouldn’t get the prize but offered a package that included tickets, gift cards and UMass swag. On Friday morning, UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford said Lee would get his money - one way or the other.