Published on: June 12, 2026, 06:43h.
Updated on: June 12, 2026, 06:43h.
- Texas Tech leaders emphasize support for Brendan Sorsby in his battle against gambling addiction.
- A U.S. District Court judge has issued a temporary injunction against the NCAA, allowing Sorsby to resume his college football journey.
- The NCAA has lodged an appeal against the recent District Court ruling.
In response to significant criticism following a U.S. District Court’s ruling on June 9, which allows Brendan Sorsby to restart his college football career amidst gambling allegations, Texas Tech officials have come forward to support their controversial quarterback.
Gambling Addiction Support
In a video shared last night on X, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt, University President Lawrence Schovanec, football coach Joey McGuire, and Grant Stovall, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health and Wellness, expressed their commitment to supporting Sorsby.
“This is a young individual facing a gambling addiction,” Hocutt stated. “He has been diagnosed with anxiety disorders by healthcare professionals, and we are taking things one day at a time.”
Wagering History
Sorsby reportedly placed over $90,000 in bets during his college tenure at Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech, as per documentation obtained by ESPN. This included wagers on his own team while he was a backup quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers.
According to NCAA guidelines, student-athletes are prohibited from betting on collegiate or professional sports, and violating this rule results in a permanent loss of eligibility, especially if they bet on their own teams or other teams affiliated with their school.
NCAA Enforcement Halted
Sorsby insists he never placed bets on games he participated in, but the NCAA declared him ineligible nonetheless, prompting him to challenge the decision in court.
The court’s injunction has blocked NCAA enforcement actions against him. Texas Tech has shown its support for Sorsby throughout this legal process.
Following the judge’s ruling, athletic directors from other Big 12 Conference institutions held a call, reportedly expressing strong agreement that Sorsby should not be allowed to play this upcoming season, as his participation could create troubling precedents for college sports.
Concerns from Big 12 Conference
There have been talks of possible sanctions from the Big 12 Conference or other measures to prevent Sorsby from competing.
“When you shift from viewing it as an abstract issue to understanding the specifics of his case, your perspective changes,” Schovanec noted.
“It’s vital to acknowledge that the NCAA regulations were established long before the existence of widespread legal gambling options accessible to young individuals today.”
Future NFL Prospects
Sorsby is seen as a potential Top 5 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and has recently completed a voluntary inpatient gambling rehabilitation program, with hopes to return to college football this season.
Stovall discussed the measures Texas Tech has implemented to assist Sorsby, such as monitoring his online activity, blocking gambling websites to deter betting, as part of his recovery plan. This was a prerequisite for his return to the Texas Tech football program.
The support system also includes mentorship, financial oversight, and regular compliance evaluations.
Supporting Recovery
“Brendan is on a lifelong journey of recovery,” Stovall stated. “We are committed to supporting him as he navigates these challenges. This is the right path to take, as we’ve previously done for other student-athletes who may not receive the same media attention as Brendan.”
Stovall highlighted that re-integrating Sorsby into a positive environment with supportive teammates was crucial for his recovery. Schovanec reiterated Texas Tech’s dedication to standing by its students.
NCAA’s Ongoing Appeal
“This is a young individual with a dream and aspirations for a career, and denying him the chance to pursue it given these circumstances seems unreasonable,” remarked Schovanec.
Hocutt urged the NCAA to consider the “mitigating factors” in Sorsby’s situation, particularly his gambling addiction and mental health diagnosis, asserting that doubts regarding Texas Tech’s integrity are misplaced.
Upholding Game Integrity
“The integrity of the game is paramount,” Hocutt emphasized. “This is why we have put extensive measures in place to monitor and ensure compliance for Brendan’s return.”
Hocutt expressed confidence that Texas Tech could pioneer discussions on policy-making in an era where young people have easier access to gambling.
“Texas Tech has a significant role to play in leading conversations on addressing these complexities, as this situation demands deeper dialogue,” he said.
The NCAA has appealed the District Court’s injunction and is seeking an expedited resolution. The Texas Tech Red Raiders will commence their 2026 football season on September 5.