This Monday afternoon, a district court judge in Lubbock, Texas, will address a pivotal hearing. The attorneys for Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby are seeking an injunction against the NCAA, which could permit him to play this season. Sorsby has admitted to placing thousands of bets over the past four years, including on his own team. His case has drawn significant attention within the college athletics community, as his tenure at Texas Tech may be cut short after only five months.
In court documents from Lubbock, obtained by OutKick, Sorsby’s legal representatives outline their arguments. Part of their case involves a diagnosis from a doctor at an Arizona rehabilitation center. Sorsby’s legal team presented extensive documentation last Friday to support a favorable ruling against the NCAA. ESPN’s David Purdum reported on the large number of wagers and details from these court documents, which OutKick confirmed via txcourts.gov.
According to a detailed 111-page affidavit, Sorsby placed bets totaling $90,000 over four years. This activity started during his time as a player for the Indiana Hoosiers. His attorneys state that Sorsby used multiple betting platforms, such as FanDuel, Underdog, Hard Rock Bet, and PrizePicks. He also relied on friends to place bets on various sports, including the NBA, PGA Tour, and MLB.
Sorsby admitted to transferring at least $60,000 to friends who placed bets for him. A crucial period was at Indiana, where he wagered over $30,000 on at least 2,900 bets.
The 2022 season emerged as particularly damaging, with Sorsby admitting to at least 40 bets on his own team. These bets ranged from $1 to $114 over two months. Sorsby claims he only bet on the Hoosiers to win and ceased betting before his Indiana debut against Penn State. NCAA rules permit participation in up to four games while still preserving a redshirt season. However, they prohibit any student-athlete from betting on sports with a collegiate championship, meaning betting on one’s own team is a clear violation.
The NCAA declared Sorsby ineligible for the 2026 season due to his numerous violations. Previously, Sorsby’s attorneys criticized the NCAA for exacerbating his gambling addiction rather than supporting his recovery. Sorsby contends he never attempted to influence game outcomes or profit through point spreads.
Sorsby’s gambling activities continued during his tenure at Texas Tech, involving his friends and a substantial financial outlay. He admitted using friends’ accounts to place bets and transferring $5,000 for MLB, NBA, and PGA Tour wagers. He stated that his financial earnings from NIL deals made the betting sums seem insignificant.
Recently, Sorsby completed a 35-day rehabilitation program in Arizona. Despite his admissions, Texas Tech continues its support. The university has requested a two-game suspension from the NCAA, arguing the action is adequate and precedent-setting. The school cited the unique circumstance of Sorsby betting on his team to win, without affecting game integrity.
The Red Raiders argue that a severe penalty could discourage athletes from seeking help for mental health issues. They believe ending Sorsby’s career due to past bets would send a punitive message contrary to the spirit of recovery and rehabilitation.
Notably, Sorsby did not disclose his gambling issues until they were discovered by the NCAA. The investigation began following a tip, unaware to Texas Tech at the time of his enrollment. Now, Texas Tech, Sorsby, and the collegiate athletics world await a district court’s decision that could redefine NCAA policies.
Leave a Reply