Full Breakdown
Big 12 Media Day Question Highlights Ongoing Controversy Over Cincinnati’s Knowledge of Former QB Brendan Sorsby’s Gambling
7/9/2026, 8:00:24 PM
Core Event: Question at Big 12 Media Days
At the July 7-8 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, commissioner Brett Yormank was asked why the University of Cincinnati was not part of the NCAA’s investigation into former quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s gambling. Yormank asked the reporter to repeat the question and answered, “We’re going forward as 16 strong,” without addressing the allegation.
Background & Context
The NCAA said it received a tip from an online sportsbook, allegedly alerted by law enforcement, about Sorsby’s gambling in March 2026. Sources claim Cincinnati knew of Sorsby’s activity as early as summer 2025. Sorsby’s gambling began in 2022, involved thousands of bets on multiple accounts, and coincided with a $975,000 NIL contract dispute with Cincinnati.
Timeline of Key Developments
- March 2026 – NCAA reports tip from sportsbook about Sorsby.
- April 2026 – Reports that Cincinnati knew of Sorsby’s gambling.
- June 2026 – Cincinnati issues gambling-education statement; Sorsby’s lawsuit filed.
- July 7-8 2026 – Big 12 Media Days; Yormank fields question on Cincinnati.
Official Statements & Responses
Cincinnati said all student-athletes receive extensive gambling education and the university would not knowingly field an ineligible player. The NCAA filing reiterated that the tip came from a sportsbook alerted by law enforcement. Yormank’s brief media-day remarks avoided confirming Cincinnati’s involvement.
Criticism & Opposition
Media commentators said Yormank’s evasive reply “made a professional look small” and warned that lack of transparency threatens the integrity of college sport. Observers also doubted that law enforcement would tip a sportsbook, suggesting a conflict of interest.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The NCAA attributes its investigation to an external tip, while critics argue law enforcement would not inform a sportsbook. Cincinnati maintains it had no knowledge, yet Sorsby’s lawsuit alleges the opposite. No independent findings have been released.
Why It Matters
The case tests NCAA wagering enforcement, the effectiveness of gambling-education programs, and potential sanctions that could affect player eligibility and the Big 12’s reputation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stand up, ask that question again, and then I’m going to give you the answer I want to give you.” — Brett Yormank, Big 12 Commissioner
- “We’re going forward as 16 strong and that’s my answer to your question.” — Brett Yormank
- “All of our student-athletes receive extensive gambling education multiple times throughout the year, and we would never knowingly play an athlete who violated NCAA sports wagering regulations,” — University of Cincinnati spokesperson
- “ Yormark, on BYU receiving derogatory comments at Big 12 venues over the last two years: "We have a zero tolerance for that kind of behavior on a go-forward basis.” — Brett Yormank, on BYU incidents
What’s Next
The NCAA has not announced further steps; the Big 12 will convene presidents and athletic directors in August to discuss compliance.
