Big 12 files lawsuit against Texas Tech over Brendan Sorsby gambling case

In the latest development of what has become a monumental story in college sports, the Big 12 has officially filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas attorney general Ken Paxton.

The conference is reportedly seeking a declaratory judgement and injunctive relief that would allow it to penalize, and possibly ban, Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

Sorsby was recently granted an injunction by Texas judge Ken Curry, giving him eligibility for the 2026 season after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA for illegal sports gambling.

The QB admitted to placing roughly 9,000 sports bets over the last several years totaling nearly $90,000. He placed some of these bets on his own team while playing for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Instead of asking for damages or for Sorsby to be ruled ineligible, the Big 12 is instead seeking an injunction that allows the conference to “exercise its right under its bylaws to sanction Texas Tech.”

Paxton and the school recently claimed that the conference was not allowed to ban or suspend Sorsby since his gambling issue should be seen as a mental illness.

Sorsby recently completed a rehab stint in a treatment facility that specializes in gambling addiction.

The conference argues that Sorsby’s issue can be treated appropriately while still penalizing him in order to protect the integrity of college football.

“In an industry that rarely agrees on anything, there is finally an issue that everyone seems to agree on (other than TTU and the Attorney General): universities should not field players who have bet on their own team’s games in college athletics,” the Big 12 wrote in the filing.

A conference almost never files a lawsuit against one of its own members, but Sorsby’s situation is unprecedented and could have an enormous impact on college athletics and sports as a whole.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published Jun 15, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.