Big 12 sues Texas Tech in federal court over Brendan Sorsby

Key Points:

• The Big 12 conference has filed a 47-page federal lawsuit in Dallas against Texas Tech, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, and others, seeking a declaratory judgment and injunction to protect its authority to sanction Texas Tech if it uses quarterback Brendan Sorsby in a game.
• The lawsuit distinguishes the Big 12's enforcement of its gambling-related bylaws from Sorsby's separate lawsuit against the NCAA, emphasizing the conference’s right to impose sanctions without violating federal antitrust laws or the Commerce Clause.
• By filing in federal court, the Big 12 aims to avoid local political pressures present in state courts, as federal judges have lifetime appointments and are insulated from such influences.
• The legal battle raises the possibility that Sorsby might accept his ineligibility, withdraw his lawsuit, and enter the NFL supplemental draft by the June 22 deadline to avoid missing his opportunity to play professionally.
• The outcome of the lawsuit could prevent Sorsby from playing college football in 2026 if Texas Tech uses him and the Big 12 prevails in court, forcing him to weigh his options carefully before the supplemental draft deadline.