Colorado AD Fernando Lovo on Brendan Sorsby injunction: 'A clear violation of long-held standards'

In a shocking bit of news to come down on Monday morning, Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brendan Sorsby is now eligible for the 2026 season following a court decision granting him an injunction against the NCAA. The Cincinnati transfer will be suspended for the first two games of the season as part of the ruling.

Sorsby's decision to make thousands of gambling bets during the course of his college career has been the focal point in this case. After initially being deemed ineligible for the upcoming season, Tarrant County District Judge Ken Curry granted his request to hold off the NCAA.

There was a report right after the ruling stating that Big 12 figureheads were considering boycotting Texas Tech this season, if Sorsby remained eligible and on the roster. Colorado Buffaloes' Fernando Lovo was one of the Big 12 athletic directors to respond to Roundtable's request for comment on the matter.  

“The injunction issued today regarding Brendan Sorsby is troubling as his admitted actions are a clear violation of long-held standards of integrity in college athletics," Lovo wrote in a statement to Roundtable.

"Caring for student-athletes is important but so is accountability and this injunction is a clear affront to the competitive principles that's been the foundation of college sports for more than a century. We will continue to engage with the Big 12 Conference and our peers on this issue.”

The Buffaloes and Red Raiders are scheduled play on Oct. 3 at Folsom Field.

However, this prompts the question about the integrity of the game. For Texas Tech, knowing Sorsby is allowed to be on the field should raise red flags for all parties involved, including Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark.

"The ramifications of today's ruling are significant and could have broad impacts across college athletics, creating great concern amongst our membership," Yormark said in a statement. "I've been consulting with our key stakeholders and have scheduled a meeting with our Conference ADs and our Executive Board this week. We are also in touch with Charlie Baker and anticipate the NCAA to appeal the order in the next 24-48 hours. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation."

Read More: Will Colorado boycott Texas Tech after Brendan Sorsby decision?

While Lovo and Yormark remained professional, another Big 12 athletic director went in on Sorsby for his jaded past. "It’s f------ bulls---. I know the kid has a problem. Well, get well and focus on your problem," Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. "It is absolutely devastating for him to be able to play when every other sport, no matter the level, deems an athlete ineligible, or they are punished severely for betting on their team.”

Texas Tech will open the season against Abilene Christian on Sept. 5. Sorsby is expected to be out of action until Sept. 18 against Houston.