Full Breakdown
Oklahoma AG Urges Big 12 to Suspend Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Amid Legal Battle
6/13/2026, 9:27:19 PM
Suspension Request Amid Injunction
Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond wrote to Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, urging the league to suspend Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby despite a Lubbock-County injunction that restored his eligibility after the NCAA ruled him ineligible for gambling.
Gambling Ban and Court Order
The NCAA declared Sorsby permanently ineligible after confirming at least 40 bets on his own team and roughly $90,000 wagered on college and professional sports from 2022-2026. He entered a gambling-addiction treatment program in April and secured a court order blocking the NCAA’s ban. Sorsby’s recent performance at Cincinnati includes 5,613 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 1,027 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 24 games. The dispute involves Texas Tech, the Big 12’s 15 other member schools, and the two state attorneys general, Drummond and Ken Paxton. The story has been covered by multiple outlets, including ESPN, Reuters, AP and Sportico.
Official Statements & Responses
Drummond said antitrust arguments “hold no weight” and that the conference can sanction a member whose conduct is “materially adverse to the best interests of the conference.” Texas AG Paxton warned of “substantial liability” exceeding $200 million if the league acts against Texas Tech. Commissioner Yormark said all options remain on the table. Texas Tech released a video asserting compliance with monitoring measures and defending Sorsby’s right to play. The NCAA filed an accelerated appeal, with a hearing set for February.
Opposition from Big 12 Members
All fifteen other Big 12 athletic directors publicly opposed Sorsby’s participation, citing integrity concerns and suggesting the league could refuse to schedule Texas Tech if he plays.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Drummond maintains the injunction applies only to the NCAA, while Paxton argues the Big 12 could face antitrust exposure for sanctioning Texas Tech. The conference’s bylaws require a supermajority vote and a hearing, but it is unclear whether those steps have been completed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The letter's citation to generic propositions of antitrust law holds no weight,” — Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
- “Its leadership has prioritized winning over sport, over honor and over integrity. If Texas Tech will not do the right thing, the Big 12 should. Texas Tech should be sanctioned.” — Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
- “[Texas Tech] has shirked responsibility by running with a bogus claim to a friendly court,” — Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
- “My office stands ready to assist the Big 12 if Texas Tech’s leadership attempts to punish the Conference for doing the right thing,” — Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General
What’s Next
The Big 12 board meets June 24 to vote on possible sanctions. The NCAA’s appeal will be heard in February, and both state attorneys general have signaled readiness for further litigation depending on the conference’s decision.
