Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a stark warning to the Big 12 on Tuesday, signaling that the conference could face a lawsuit if it moves to sanction Texas Tech over the eligibility of quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
Legal battle over Sorsby's eligibility
A district court in Texas recently granted Sorsby a temporary injunction that blocks the NCAA from enforcing his suspension, a penalty imposed after the quarterback was found to have placed bets on college football games.
The Big 12’s executive board convened late last week to dissect the legal fallout, with several member schools openly expressing opposition to Sorsby’s return to the field. Athletic directors across the league have voiced strong reservations, arguing that allowing the player to compete could expose the conference to claims of breach of contract and tortious interference.
Amid the tension, booster Cody Campbell issued a public appeal urging fans not to boycott Texas Tech, emphasizing that such actions would run afoul of federal antitrust statutes.
The controversy also shines a light on Texas Tech’s recent on‑field achievements, having captured its first Big 12 championship last season and earned a berth in the College Football Playoff, underscoring the stakes of the eligibility dispute.
The NCAA has announced its intention to appeal the injunction to the Court of Appeals for the Seventh District of Texas, a move that could prolong the legal battle and shape the conference’s future approach to similar eligibility challenges.