OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) — The Big 12 Conference filed a legal complaint against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in federal court seeking confirmation of its authority to sanction the university if quarterback Brendan Sorsby plays in the upcoming season.
Sorsby entered rehab for a gambling addiction on April 27, the same day the NCAA announced an investigation into allegations of betting on Indiana University in 2022 while he played for the Hoosiers. The NCAA ruled against Sorsby, announcing he was ineligible to compete.
Sorsby filed an injunction on May 18 and was granted eligibility on June 8 by Judge Ken Curry of Lubbock. Curry stated Sorsby would have to serve a two-game suspension.
Dispute over sanctions
Backlash ensued with the Big 12 Conference discussing potential punishment. Paxton stated any sanctions imposed by the conference would be unlawful.
Following Paxton’s statement, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond called on the conference to suspend Sorsby. He stated Paxton’s claims were “meritless.”
After the conference announced its court filing, Drummond praised the decision and stated his direct interest is due to Oklahoma State University’s participation in the Big 12 Conference.
“I applaud the Big 12’s swift action to defend its authority to enforce its own bylaws,” Drummond said. “My office will protect Oklahoma’s own stake in the integrity of these contests.”
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