Sorsby Sues NCAA Over Gambling Ban
Brendan Sorsby, a quarterback who transferred to Texas Tech, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking eligibility for the 2026 college football season after the NCAA ruled him ineligible because of a betting violation.
The complaint details that Sorsby, while a redshirt freshman at Cincinnati, placed a wager on an Indiana game, a breach of NCAA regulations that could result in a season‑long suspension. The filing also notes that the player has entered a treatment program for a gambling addiction, a step he says the NCAA has not supported.
Sorsby’s legal counsel, veteran antitrust attorney Jeffrey Kessler, argues that the NCAA’s enforcement is inconsistent, pointing out that the organization itself derives revenue from gambling partnerships while imposing strict penalties on athletes. The lawsuit contends that this double standard violates principles of fairness.
The NCAA, in a brief statement, defended its rules as essential to preserving the integrity of college sports, emphasizing that betting by players undermines public trust. The association maintains that any exception would set a dangerous precedent.
The case arrives amid a broader debate over athlete compensation and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Sorsby’s move to Texas Tech was accompanied by a reported NIL agreement exceeding $4 million, a figure that underscores the financial stakes for top prospects. The lawsuit also references the involvement of 23XI Racing, the racing team co‑owned by Michael Jordan, though the connection to the legal action remains peripheral.