In Lubbock County, Texas, a judge has postponed a decision regarding the eligibility of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who is seeking an injunction against the NCAA to play in the 2026 season. Judge Ken Curry presided over a two-hour hearing on Monday but requested additional documentation before making a ruling, which could be delivered in the coming days, according to ESPN.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, has urged for a decision by June 15, allowing Sorsby to consider entering the NFL supplemental draft by the June 22 deadline. The hearing involved arguments from both Sorsby’s legal team and the NCAA regarding his eligibility after he placed numerous impermissible bets on college and professional sports, including on his own team while at a different institution.
Despite not being present in court, Sorsby is seeking a temporary injunction to continue his college football career. Court documents revealed that Sorsby placed at least 40 bets on Indiana football while part of the Hoosiers’ program, totaling at least $850 in September and October 2022. He has stated in a letter to the NCAA that he never bet on games in which he played, nor did he bet against his team.
Gambling Addiction and NCAA’s Stance
Over a four-year period, Sorsby wagered approximately $90,000 using sportsbook accounts registered to family members and friends. From June 2022 to December 2023 alone, he placed 2,900 bets totaling more than $30,000. Sorsby has completed a 35-day in-patient rehab program in Arizona to address a diagnosed gambling addiction and anxiety disorder.
During the hearing, Kessler argued that the NCAA neglected Sorsby’s wellbeing when deciding to render him ineligible. The NCAA countered by asserting that Sorsby’s mental health was considered but did not exempt him from the consequences of his actions. NCAA attorney Taylor Askew emphasized that granting an injunction would prevent the collegiate governing body from punishing athletes for betting on its contests.
Implications for Texas Tech and Sorsby
The NCAA was first alerted to Sorsby’s betting activities by law enforcement on March 11, leading to an investigation and notification to Texas Tech on April 14. His eligibility was revoked approximately two weeks later. Last month, the NCAA denied Texas Tech’s request to reinstate Sorsby for the 2026 season, underscoring the significance of Monday’s hearing.
Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati this offseason and was anticipated to be the Red Raiders’ starting quarterback for 2026. ESPN has ranked him as the No. 1 overall transfer in this year’s class.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
