NCAA Appeals Court Ruling That Temporarily Lifted Texas Tech QB's Gambling Ban

Judge Ken Curry of the 99th District Court in Lubbock County ruled Monday that Brendan Sorsby demonstrated a 'probable, imminent, and irreparable injury' if prevented from playing for Texas Tech in 2026, granting a temporary injunction that blocks the NCAA from enforcing its permanent ineligibility ruling. Sorsby admitted to placing more than 9,000 wagers totaling at least $90,000 during his college career, including at least 40 bets on Indiana football games during the 2022 season when he was a scout-team member — a clear violation of NCAA rules that mandate permanent ineligibility for wagering on one's own team. His attorneys, led by prominent sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, argued that Sorsby's gambling constituted a recognized mental health disorder and that none of the bets were placed to compromise competitive integrity. The injunction requires Sorsby to continue counseling, participate in Gamblers Anonymous or a similar program, and serve a two-game suspension to open the season. The NCAA immediately appealed on an accelerated basis, with president Charlie Baker calling the ruling 'a new low,' while Nebraska and Georgia directed staff not to schedule Texas Tech in any sport, Big Ten officials discussed a conference-wide boycott, and the Big 12 convened emergency calls among its athletic directors and executive board. Texas Tech, which stated it did not fund or file Sorsby's lawsuit, warned it would pursue legal action against any conference or school that attempts to sanction it for complying with the court order, a position backed by Texas AG Ken Paxton, who threatened antitrust litigation against the Big 12 and claimed potential damages could exceed $200 million.