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Judge Allows Sorsby Play; Big 12 Opposes, AG Warns

6/13/2026

Summary

**Sorsby Clears to Play**

U.S. District Judge Ken Curry granted a temporary injunction that permits quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play for Texas Tech.
All 15 other Big 12 members voted unanimously against Texas Tech fielding Sorsby.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned the conference of legal action if it punishes Texas Tech.
Sorsby secured a $5 million name-image-likeness deal after transferring from Cincinnati to Texas Tech.

Summary

**Sorsby Suspended**

Texas Tech posted a 21-minute video defending its handling of Sorsby, which quickly amassed millions of views.
Sorsby entered an inpatient addiction-treatment program on April 27 and will serve a two-game suspension, missing the season-opening contests against Abilene Christian and Oregon State.
Drummond invoked Big 12 Bylaw 3.6, which could affect Oklahoma State’s Nov. 14 game against Texas Tech in Stillwater.

Summary

**Drummond Defends Big12**

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the Big 12 can enforce its bylaws independently of the injunction that restored Brendan Sorsby.
He called Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s warnings meritless and his antitrust theory destined to fail, indicating the conference can resist a lawsuit.
Drummond called Texas Tech’s reinstatement of Sorsby a shameful chapter and said dispute pits the two Republican attorneys general against each other over the eligibility case.

Summary

**Sorsby Eligibility Fight**

NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible after finding 40 illegal wagers, including bets on his own team, totaling about $90,000.
Texas judge restored his eligibility with a two-game suspension and set a February trial.
NCAA’s appeal will not be decided before the season is played.
Big 12 board meets Monday, with all 15 other members opposing Sorsby while Commissioner Brett Yormark must steer the conference’s response amid looming litigation.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Reggie Bush won the Heisman, but a NCAA investigation uncovered improper benefits, leading him to forfeit the trophy in 2010 and forcing USC to vacate its 2004-05 victories. The 2021 NCAA decision to permit name-image-likeness deals sparked legal disputes, including challenges over NIL contracts, and ongoing conference-bylaw conflicts.

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**Sorsby Clears to Play**

U.S. District Judge Ken Curry granted a temporary injunction that permits quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play for Texas Tech.
All 15 other Big 12 members voted unanimously against Texas Tech fielding Sorsby.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned the conference of legal action if it punishes Texas Tech.
Sorsby secured a $5 million name-image-likeness deal after transferring from Cincinnati to Texas Tech.

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