Paxton comes to Texas Tech’s defense in Sorsby gambling matter

Key Points:

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office warned the Big 12 Conference against sanctioning Texas Tech University over plans to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby, citing potential legal action and antitrust violations.
• Sorsby was banned by the NCAA for placing at least $90,000 in sports bets, including bets on his own team, but a state judge blocked the NCAA’s prohibition, allowing him to play after sitting out two games and continuing treatment for gambling disorder.
• The NCAA is appealing the judge’s ruling, and a trial is scheduled for February 8, after the football season ends, amid criticism and threats from other universities to cancel events involving Texas Tech.
• Texas Tech and state officials emphasize Sorsby’s clinical gambling disorder diagnosis and legal rights, while Paxton asserts that any coordinated effort to punish Texas Tech would violate state antitrust laws.
• Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech from Cincinnati in January and has not yet played; his legal team includes Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, who is handling the case through his private law practice.