Does Big 12 Still Want To Sue Texas Tech Over Brendan Sorsby Controversy?

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Brendan Sorsby saga came to an end - at least as it pertains to him as a player for Texas Tech - when the transfer quarterback elected to enter the NFL supplemental draft rather than compete for the Red Raiders.

Part of that decision could have been the pressure that was put on Texas Tech through a lawsuit by the Big 12 against the school, where the conference sought to use its bylaws to sanction Tech if Sorsby were to play.

The former Indiana and Cincinnati quarterback, who had admitted to gambling on his own sport while being a student-athlete, was facing a short deadline to enter the NFL process. The court situation made for a now or never decision.

But as Sorsby has forfeited his eligibility, it appears that the Big 12 has not yet withdrawn its lawsuit against Texas Tech. The parties could still be headed to court despite Sorsby's team withdrawing its injunction filing that was granted nearly two weeks ago.

ESPN's Heather Dinich reports that the conference officials are continuing to monitor possible legal retribution and are in "no rush" to dismiss the federal lawsuit.

Says Dinich: "The Big 12 board of directors is expected to have a call early next week, sources said, to discuss next steps. Some have questioned what, if any, liability could exist for the conference or how it will play out with the NFL given Sorsby's admitted history of gambling."

According to the conference's lawsuit in the Dallas-based Northern District of Texas, the Big 12 sought to use "both a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief to allow the league the authority to use its bylaws to potentially punish Sorsby."

This came as a result of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton siding with Texas Tech in a statement that threatened legal action if the conference imposed any "unlawful" sanctions on Texas Tech's football team.

The conference is debating a clear next step after Sorsby's team has moved swiftly since his announcement that he won't play for the Red Raiders.

"We don't know the answer to those questions," Dinich's source said. "We haven't done anything different at this point. We're going to reconvene next week to run through all the options. Right now, that case is still active."

Sorsby admitted to gambling frequently at both of his most recent stops, Cincinnati and Texas Tech - both Big 12 members. Although he never suited up for the Red Raiders, the school remains tied to the mess because it backed the student during his recovery and reinstatement process. That begs the question of whether Cincinnati will also receive penalties, as he was the starting quarterback for two seasons, and whether other schools are needed to cover legal fees that they were never involved in.

As it stands, it appears that Texas Tech will inherit responsibilities from this month's legal proceedings.

"There may need to be consequences for Texas Tech, even if it works out this way," the source said to ESPN. "It was pointed out there's been legal fees involved in this action. Is it right for all 16 schools to share in those legal fees when we didn't have anything to do with starting it? Those are some of the things that are going to have to be worked out, and they will be."

Sorsby's lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, removed the "moot" injunction against the NCAA, which had made the quarterback ineligible again, thereby allowing him to enter the supplemental draft.

With the draft's June 23 deadline approaching, Sorsby's enrollment will still need formal clearance by the NFL before determining a date for the bidding process to begin.

NBC's Pro Football Talk noted an interesting possibility for if Sorsby's eligibility for the supplemental draft was affected.

"The other concern cited by Dinich — potential Big 12 liability — becomes interesting if, in the end, the NFL either doesn’t allow Sorsby into the supplemental draft or suspends him for all or part of the 2026 season," said Mike Florio.

"Sorsby could, if he so chooses, explore a potential claim for tortious interference against the Big 12. Or collusion in violation of the antitrust laws among the members of the Big 12. Or, frankly, collusion between the Big 12 and the NFL to ensure that Sorsby ultimately endures a tangible punishment in the form of not being allowed to play football for part, most, or all of the 2026 season."

As grueling a process as it was for all of college football, it may not be over just yet.