This week, the Big 12 has faced pressure—both internally and externally—to sanction Texas Tech if it allows quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play this season in light of an injunction granting him NCAA eligibility despite his gambling violations.
But while the conference considers next steps, legal threats have mounted from both Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, according to copies of the letters obtained by Front Office Sports.
Two weeks ago, Sorsby, fresh out of in-patient treatment for gambling addiction, sued the NCAA for eligibility to play next fall, despite admitting to placing thousands of bets while playing college football, including on his own team while at Indiana. On Monday, Sorsby won an injunction in Texas state court stating that the NCAA was required to allow him eligibility this upcoming football season, following a two-game suspension for his gambling activities. Texas Tech has not confirmed if or when Sorsby will play, but the program has confirmed he will rejoin the team.
The ruling sparked outrage across college sports. Georgia, for example, instructed its athletic department to boycott scheduling Texas Tech. The Big Ten also considered a boycott of the program, though the conference will not prevent schools from playing the Red Raiders, according to The Athletic.
