Top takeaways from Brendan Sorsby’s lawsuit against NCAA: ‘Truly addicted to gambling’

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Lubbock County district court, seeking an injunction to regain eligibility for the 2026 college football season. In his affidavit, Sorsby admitted to gambling on Indiana football during his freshman year in 2022, placing bets of $5 to $50 on eight games while part of the scout team. He claimed the bets were meant to feel connected to the team, though Indiana finished 4-8 that season, resulting in losses on most wagers. Sorsby’s gambling habits began in high school, driving 40 miles to a casino near the Oklahoma border and using mobile sports betting apps. His addiction intensified in college, extending to bets on obscure sports like Turkish basketball, Romanian soccer, and even the MLB draft. He also bet on his own team during his freshman year at Indiana, though he stopped once named backup quarterback in October 2022. The lawsuit highlights a dispute over the NCAA’s investigatory process, with Sorsby arguing his gambling was compulsive rather than profit-driven. His legal filing includes over 1,000 pages of documents, primarily copies of NCAA Division I manuals, to support his case for reinstatement. Sorsby previously took an indefinite leave from Texas Tech in April to enter a residential gambling treatment program. The NCAA’s investigation centers on Sorsby’s bets on Indiana football, a violation punishable by permanent ineligibility. His affidavit clarifies he never bet on games he played in or believed he might play, emphasizing he stopped gambling once he became a backup. The case now hinges on whether the NCAA’s rules and investigatory process align with Sorsby’s claims of addiction and rehabilitation.