Big 12 files lawsuit seeking to clear way to sanction Texas Tech for playing Brendan Sorsby

Key Points:

• The Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from blocking the conference’s ability to sanction Texas Tech if it plays quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the 2026 season, amid disputes over Sorsby’s eligibility due to gambling violations.
• The lawsuit names Texas Tech officials and Paxton as defendants and requests a declaratory judgment affirming the Big 12’s right to enforce sanctions, including postseason bans or revenue restrictions, under its bylaws protected by the First Amendment.
• Sorsby admitted to placing over 9,000 bets totaling at least $90,000 during his college career, including bets on his own team, violating NCAA rules and state laws in Indiana, Ohio, and Texas, which the Big 12 says damages the league’s integrity and reputation.
• The NCAA has appealed a recent Lubbock County court ruling that prevented it from declaring Sorsby ineligible, filing motions for expedited review and a stay of the injunction to resolve the matter before the 2026 season begins.
• Several state attorneys general, including those from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Utah, have publicly supported the Big 12’s position, countering claims made by Texas AG Paxton, while Texas Tech has indicated it may play Sorsby despite the controversy.