Key facts
- Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond has asked the Big 12 Conference to sanction Texas Tech.
- The request follows a court order that reinstated Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility.
- Sorsby was previously banned by the NCAA for gambling violations, including betting on his own team.
- Texas AG Ken Paxton warned the Big 12 of potential legal action if they considered sanctions.
- Drummond asserted that conference bylaws uphold integrity and fair play, countering antitrust concerns.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has publicly urged the Big 12 Conference to impose sanctions on Texas Tech University following a court order that reinstated quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility. Sorsby had been permanently banned by the NCAA for gambling violations, including betting on his own team while at Indiana. A Texas district court's temporary injunction, issued Monday, prevents the NCAA from enforcing its ban, allowing Sorsby to play.
Drummond stated in a letter to the conference that if Texas Tech does not take appropriate action, the Big 12 should. He dismissed claims that sanctions would violate antitrust laws, asserting that enforcing bylaws upholds integrity and fair play. This development follows a warning from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to the Big 12 regarding potential legal action if they considered penalizing Texas Tech.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark received Paxton's notice shortly before a meeting of the league's executive board to discuss Sorsby's situation. Sorsby, a transfer quarterback, reportedly acknowledged making over $90,000 in wagers and placing at least 40 bets on his own team. NCAA rules mandate a permanent loss of eligibility for such infractions.
Texas Tech has stated that Sorsby has completed a month-long inpatient treatment program and will continue to receive support. However, Big 12 athletic directors expressed strong opposition to Sorsby playing for the Red Raiders during a conference call, with some suggesting they might refuse to play Texas Tech if he participated. Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech in January after playing at Cincinnati and previously at Indiana.