LUBBOCK, Texas - The story of Brendan Sorsby vs. The World came to an end before the transfer quarterback could hit the field for Texas Tech in 2026.

As the Big 12 conference dropped a hammer in the form of a lawsuit against the school seeking sanctions if the Red Raiders played Sorsby, Sorsby found it in his best interest to declare for the NFL's Supplemental Draft ahead of next week's enrollment deadline.

For Sorsby, he now navigates his gambling addiction recovery by taking the next steps toward the NFL, where teams will take part in a lottery format of giving up a 2027 draft pick for the opportunity to take a swing at the dual-threat QB.

The conference's lawsuit, which came in response to the threat posed by Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton this week, comes in addition to the NFL's filed appeal that was hoped to be expedited and challenge Sorsby's granted injunction.

With the week-long saga now in the rearview mirror, Texas Tech administrators have addressed the matter.

"When Brendan's lawsuit resulted in the granting of a temporary injunction, we found ourselves in a difficult situation," said athletic director Kirby Hocutt and university president Lawrence Schovanec in a joint statement posted to social media.

"With his health and wellness as our top priority we supported him in spite of very different perspectives and opinions. Our position was challenged by many but our support for him never changed. We will continue to extend all available resources that Brendan had as a student and athlete to ensure is transition is as successful as possible."

The pressure came in the form of the Big 12's complaint filing in the Dallas-based Northern District of Texas, which sought "both a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief to allow the league the authority to use its bylaws to potentially punish Sorsby," and Texas Tech if he were to play in conference games this season. Those sanctions could have come in the form of monetary losses and a disqualification from the conference championship game.

The chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, billionaire oil man and college sports reformist, Cody Campbell, issued a statement announcing details about the school's involvement in parting ways with Sorsby.

Here are the key takeaways from Campbell's lengthy clarification:

* Honor and integrity were influential principles, as the school's alma mater, "Strive For Honor Evermore," references: "We attract applicants and produce graduates who possess incredible integrity, work ethic and grit," Campbell said.

* Texas Tech maintains the belief that it as an institution and athletic department was removed of any direct wrongdoing in its handling of the entire situation: "The truth is, contrary to the public narrative, Texas Tech's only objectives have been to protect the well-being and best interest of one of our own students, his fellow student-athletes, our institution, and our community," Campbell wrote.

"The bottom line is that Texas Tech did absolutely nothing but act with complete integrity through this entire process. We broke no rules, no laws, and crossed no ethical lines. We are proud to represent a university that supports its students the way that we do - especially in a growing professionalized of college sports world, that often treats these young people like nothing more than commodities."

* Campbell said Texas Tech conducted its due diligence in recruiting Sorsby out of the transfer portal, but "had absolutely no knowledge" of his gambling habits until after he had already signed with the football program.

* Texas Tech reiterates that it did "NOT" assist Sorsby in filing his injunction request against the NCAA with renowned college sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler. "Had the [court's] decision gone the other way, [Texas Tech] would have respected the court's decision, while continuing to support Brendan's treatment and recovery," Campbell said.

* Campbell remains "deeply concerned" about the state of modern college athletics, and urges changes to be made, likely in the form of federal legislation that sets a clearer framework for how issues are managed by the NCAA.

* "Texas Tech will not seek return of any amounts already paid to Brendan through his NIL agreements with the University." Sorsby signed a reported name, image, and likeness deal with the Red Raiders worth $5 million, but it is not clear how much the athlete has received.

Sorsby's and his legal team will withdraw the lawsuit that sought an injunction, which returns him to being ineligible, and thus able to enroll in the NFL Supplemental Draft before the June 22 deadline.

The draft does not yet have a scheduled date or format, though that is not uncommon at this stage of the offseason. If Sorsby is drafted, it will be the first supplemental selection since 2019, where safety Jalen Thompson was picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round.

"I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue," Sorsby said in a statement on Monday.

"As my journey continues, I remain fully committed and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field."