Texas Tech Quarterback Seeks Court Injunction Against NCAA for Gambling Violations

A district court judge in Lubbock, Texas, will focus attention on a case involving Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Attorneys are seeking an injunction against the NCAA to allow him to play after admitting to extensive gambling, including betting on his team.

The repercussions of this situation have reverberated throughout the college sports community. Sorsby, who joined Texas Tech just five months ago, could see his time there end prematurely. Attorneys submitted court documents, based on a diagnosis from an Arizona rehabilitation center, hoping to secure his playing rights.

On Friday, Sorsby’s legal team presented evidence, including detailed accounts of his betting activities across Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech. ESPN reporter David Purdum first reported the details, which were later confirmed by court documents.

The affidavit reveals Sorsby placed $90,000 in bets over four years, starting with his time at Indiana University. He used various betting apps like FanDuel, Underdog, Hard Rock Bet, and PrizePicks. Friends aided him in placing bets on multiple sports, including the NBA, PGA Tour, and MLB.

Significantly, Sorsby transferred $60,000 to friends who acted as proxies for his bets. As a scout-team quarterback at Indiana, he placed around 2,900 wagers worth over $30,000 during the 2022 season alone. These actions resulted in his eligibility being revoked due to NCAA regulations.

While Sorsby contends he never bet against his team, wagering on any collegiate sport is prohibited. The NCAA deemed him ineligible for the 2026 season due to these and other gambling activities.

Sorsby’s representation argues the NCAA failed to support his recovery from gambling addiction, preferring to use it against him. Sorsby maintains that he did not attempt to influence outcomes or add personal gains from his wagers.

Gambling persisted during his time in Lubbock. Sorsby confessed to using friends’ accounts for betting, transferring $5,000 to fund bets on MLB, NBA, and PGA Tour events.

The situation evolved further as Texas Tech submitted a letter advocating for a two-game suspension, suggesting it would be a fair consequence rather than a career-ending punishment.

They argue this would not establish a harmful precedent, considering Sorsby’s unique situation. The NCAA has never dealt with an athlete who bet extensively, with the only bets on his team being for them to win while he sat out games.

Texas Tech warns that a harsh penalty could discourage athletes from seeking help for mental health and addiction issues. The court’s imminent decision holds significant implications for collegiate athletics governance.