A quarterback at Texas Tech has taken legal action against the NCAA, filing an injunction on Monday as he seeks to return to the field for the upcoming college football season. The 22-year-old player, Brendan Sorsby, was ruled ineligible for competition by the university following gambling violations.
The legal filing claims the NCAA is acting in a “deeply hypocritical” manner regarding gambling issues and argues that Sorsby will face “irreparable harm” without court intervention. Court documents describe his gambling problem as a “clinically diagnosed” disorder.
“The NCAA has weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it polices,” the filing states.
Sorsby has been undergoing treatment at an inpatient facility for his condition since the end of April, according to reports.
NCAA regulations strictly prohibit student-athletes from wagering on any NCAA-sanctioned competition. Violations of these rules, particularly when players bet on their own teams, can result in lifetime suspensions from collegiate athletics.
The quarterback placed modest bets on Indiana football while he was on that team, wagering that the team would “win or for teammates to exceed expectations.” He did not play in any of the contests on which he placed wagers.
The legal team representing Sorsby has invoked the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, asking that the NCAA be “precluded from enforcing its gambling bylaws against Mr. Sorsby to deny or withhold his reinstatement.” The petition seeks his eligibility to “participate fully” for Texas Tech in 2026, including game participation, and requests that contrary NCAA actions be declared “void and unenforceable.”
The NCAA responded Monday, stating it had not yet received any reinstatement application in this matter.
“The Association’s sports betting rules are clear, as are the reinstatement conditions,” the NCAA statement said. “When it comes to betting on one’s own team, these rules must be enforced in every case for the simple reason that the integrity of the game is at risk.”
Sorsby topped ESPN’s transfer portal rankings this offseason following two seasons at Indiana and two at Cincinnati.
