Big 12 Sues Texas Tech Over Brendan Sorsby Sanctions

Background

Last week, the Big 12 received a notice from Paxton’s office saying that the conference could face potential legal action if it pursued any sanctions against Texas Tech. The lawsuit filed on Monday is in direct response to the letter.

The letter from the Texas AG’s office said that any sanctions against Texas Tech would be a violation of state and federal antitrust laws, a breach of contract and tortious interference.

Big 12’s Lawsuit

The Big 12’s lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Dallas is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief claiming that the First Amendment allows the conference to sanction Texas Tech for its handling of the Sorsby situation. One of the Big 12’s potential sanctions that the conference alludes to in its filing is barring Texas Tech from playing in the conference championship game.

The Big 12 commends Texas Tech for supporting Sorsby’s recovery, but it says the conference draws the line at allowing him to play.

Reaction from Other Athletic Directors

Other college athletic directors have reacted to the hot-button issue with some pledging not to schedule Texas Tech in any sports. Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks sent a memo to staff, which was obtained by the Athens Banner-Herald, instructing coaches not to schedule Texas Tech.

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen told the Sports Business Journal that the school will also not schedule Texas Tech in the future.

Kansas Attorney General Weighs In

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, said that his office reviewed the letter sent by Paxton’s office, and he said that the claims made in the letter are “incorrect.”

Kobach continued by saying that his state and others are “concerned about integrity of conference competition.”

Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.