Texas AG Warns Big 12 Against Sanctions on Texas Tech Over Quarterback Sorsby

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod warning that any sanctions against Texas Tech over quarterback Brendan Sorsby would violate federal and state antitrust laws.

" The letter was received shortly before the Big 12 executive board meeting convened to discuss options regarding Brendan Sorsby, according to Yormark. A Texas district court issued a temporary injunction on Monday, June 8, 2026, preventing the NCAA from enforcing its permanent ban of Sorsby.

Sorsby was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after acknowledging years of gambling that included at least 40 bets on his own team while a freshman at Indiana. He admitted to betting thousands of dollars on multiple sports, including college football games involving teams he was a member of early in his career. Sorsby completed a month-long inpatient treatment program for gambling addiction.

He sued the NCAA seeking reinstatement, arguing that the ability to play football is essential to his recovery process. A judge ruled in favor of Sorsby earlier this week, reinstating his eligibility subject to missing the first two games of the season. The NCAA blasted the ruling and has pointed to Sorsby's case while urging Congress to pass legislation granting it antitrust exemptions.

Some Big 12 schools are considering refusing to play Texas Tech if Brendan Sorsby competes. The Texas attorney general's office argued that any refusal to play Texas Tech would constitute a breach of contract and tortious interference. Paxton is a candidate for governor.

Sorsby was one of the top players in the transfer portal last season.