Big 12 files federal lawsuit against Texas Tech as quarterback Brendan Sorsby enters NFL supplemental draft

The gambling case

Brendan Sorsby admitted to betting roughly $90,000 on college and professional sports over four years, including at least 40 wagers on Indiana football while a member of the program in 2022 and 2023. He entered an addiction treatment program on April 27. The NCAA permanently barred him from competition, triggering the legal fights now consuming college sports.

Once I became part of the active roster with an opportunity to play, I immediately stopped betting on Indiana. However, my gambling on other sports did not stop; it escalated and became compulsive. Gambling became an addiction.

Courtroom maneuvers

A Lubbock County judge granted Sorsby a temporary injunction on June 8, clearing him to play this fall. The order limited any NCAA suspension to Texas Tech's first two games. The NCAA quickly turned to a Texas appeals court, asking for an emergency stay and a resolution by August 28, before the Red Raiders open their season on September 5.

The trial court's temporary injunction sweeps beyond anything Texas law permits. It undermines the integrity of college sports, rewrites member-adopted rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, immunizes Brendan Sorsby from discipline for admitted and serial violations of NCAA anti-gambling rules.

Conference pushback

The Big 12, acting independently, filed suit in federal court in Dallas. The complaint names Texas Tech, its chancellor, president and athletic director Kirby Hocutt, along with Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, as defendants. The conference wants a ruling that it can enforce its bylaws and sanction the school if it fields Sorsby. Last week, Paxton sent a letter warning the Big 12 not to punish Texas Tech.

Maybe this is what rock bottom feels like.

The 15 athletic directors, excluding Texas Tech, met in Las Vegas and unanimously opposed Sorsby playing. Big 12 presidents convened Monday to weigh potential sanctions.

Sorsby's next step

Late Monday, a person briefed on the situation said Sorsby will enter the NFL Supplemental Draft. The decision arrives as the legal skirmishes intensify. Sorsby threw for 5,613 yards, 45 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over two seasons at Cincinnati, and rushed for 1,027 yards and 18 scores. Scouts view him as a potential first-round talent, but teams will need to examine his off-field record.