Trending Now - Texas Tech's Sorsby Faces Setback in Gambling Eligibility Battle

WHO:

NBC Sports - Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec stated that the university will appeal the NCAA’s decision not to reinstate Sorsby’s eligibility.

NBC Sports - Sorsby recently retained antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, known for his involvement in significant NCAA cases.

NBC Sports - Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec stated that the university will appeal the NCAA’s decision not to reinstate Sorsby’s eligibility.

Sportskeeda - Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby

On3 - Sorsby’s legal team, including antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Sorsby issued an emotional apology regarding his gambling fallout, stating, "I am deeply sorry to everyone I’ve disappointed and am committed to the hard and necessary work ahead."

NBC Sports - Sorsby has been described as the highest-profile example of a major-college athlete developing a gambling addiction amid the rise of legalized gambling.

NBC Sports - Sorsby released a statement expressing gratitude for the support he received during his recovery, stating, "I am endlessly grateful to all who have supported me over the last several weeks."

NBC Sports - Sorsby described his completion of a residential treatment program for gambling addiction and anxiety disorder, saying, "I know recovery from addiction is a long road."

NBC Sports - Schovanec emphasized that Sorsby’s vulnerability due to his gambling addiction deserves the full support of the institution.

On3 - The NCAA officially denied Sorsby's request for reinstatement for eligibility for the 2026 season.

On3 - Sorsby’s lawsuit was filed last Monday in Lubbock County District Court.

On3 - Sorsby’s legal team has cited potential damage to his mental health among the reasons for the injunction.

On3 - If granted, the injunction would feasibly allow him to play out the 2026 college football season while the NCAA’s usually lengthy investigation process plays out behind the scenes.

On3 - The June 1 hearing date falls in line with Sorsby’s requested timeline ahead of the June 22 deadline to declare for the NFL Supplemental Draft.

On3 - ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Supplemental Draft could be an option for Sorsby.

On3 - No player has been selected in an NFL Supplemental Draft since 2019.

NY Post - The NCAA denied Sorsby's request for reinstatement to play in the 2026 college football season.

Daily Mail Sports - Sorsby checked himself into a residential rehab facility for gambling addiction.

On3 - Sorsby completed a 35-day inpatient rehab program for gambling addiction.

On3 - Sorsby is seeking a temporary injunction against the NCAA ruling him ineligible.

On3 - Sorsby’s lawsuit was filed in Lubbock County District Court.

WHERE:

On3 - Sorsby completed his rehab in Goodyear, Arizona.

On3 - The lawsuit was filed in Lubbock County District Court.

WHEN:

On3 - Sorsby’s lawsuit was filed last Monday in Lubbock County District Court.

On3 - A temporary injunction hearing is set for 9 a.m. CT, June 1.

On3 - The deadline to declare for the NFL Supplemental Draft is June 22.

On3 - Sorsby took a leave of absence for gambling addiction in late April.

WHY:

NBC Sports - Schovanec emphasized the rising epidemic of gambling addiction among college-aged men, stating, "As a generation of college athletes face the legalization and rapid proliferation of sports betting in our country, gambling addiction is rising to the point of epidemic among college aged men in particular."

NBC Sports - Schovanec noted that gambling addiction is rising to epidemic levels among college-aged men, highlighting the NCAA's hypocrisy in monetizing legalized gambling while enforcing strict rules against players.

On3 - Sorsby’s lawsuit is viewed as an attempt to expedite the NCAA investigative process into his admitted gambling activities between 2022-25.

On3 - Sorsby sought help for gambling addiction after making thousands of online bets across various sports.

On3 - Sorsby’s legal team cited potential damage to his mental health as a reason for the injunction.

HOW:

NBC Sports - Sorsby expressed his commitment to ongoing treatment and being a resource for other student-athletes dealing with gambling addiction and mental health issues.

NBC Sports - Sorsby’s legal team argues that the NCAA's handling of his case reflects a double standard regarding gambling activities, highlighting the NCAA's monetization of legalized gambling while enforcing strict rules against players.

NBC Sports - Sorsby’s lawyers argue that the NCAA's handling of his case reflects a double standard regarding gambling activities.

On3 - Sorsby placed bets on Indiana while on the Hoosiers’ roster in 2022.

On3 - Sorsby placed bets ranging from $2.50 to less than $1 per pitch while attending Cincinnati Reds games.

On3 - NCAA guidelines state that student-athletes who engage in activities to influence game outcomes may face permanent loss of eligibility.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 23:21 UTC)

Sorsby has issued an emotional apology regarding his gambling fallout, expressing deep regret for disappointing others and committing to the hard work ahead. He has been identified as a high-profile example of a major-college athlete grappling with a gambling addiction, particularly as legalized gambling continues to rise. In his statement, Sorsby also emphasized his dedication to ongoing treatment and his desire to support other student-athletes facing similar challenges with gambling addiction and mental health issues.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 17:57 UTC)

Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec announced that the university will appeal the NCAA’s decision not to reinstate Sorsby’s eligibility, as Sorsby recently retained antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, known for his work on major NCAA cases. In a statement, Sorsby expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery from gambling addiction and anxiety disorder, acknowledging that recovery is a long journey. Schovanec highlighted the growing epidemic of gambling addiction among college-aged men, pointing out the NCAA's double standard in monetizing legalized gambling while imposing strict rules on players.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 08:19 UTC)

Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec announced that the university will appeal the NCAA’s decision not to reinstate Sorsby’s eligibility, emphasizing the need to support Sorsby due to his vulnerability from a gambling addiction. He pointed out that gambling addiction is becoming an epidemic among college-aged men and criticized the NCAA for its hypocrisy in profiting from legalized gambling while imposing strict rules on players. Sorsby’s lawyers are arguing that the NCAA's approach to his case reveals a double standard regarding gambling activities.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 04:19 UTC)

The NCAA has officially denied Sorsby's request for reinstatement for the 2026 season, following his lawsuit filed last week in Lubbock County District Court. His legal team argues that the potential damage to his mental health warrants an injunction that would allow him to play during the NCAA's lengthy investigation into his admitted gambling activities while on the Hoosiers' roster in 2022. A hearing is set for June 1, which aligns with Sorsby's timeline ahead of the June 22 deadline to declare for the NFL Supplemental Draft, a route that could be an option for him, although no player has been selected in that draft since 2019.

(UPDATED May 27, 2026 01:38 UTC)

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has had his request for reinstatement to play in the 2026 college football season denied by the NCAA, prompting him to seek a temporary injunction against the ruling. After completing a 35-day inpatient rehab program for gambling addiction in Goodyear, Arizona, Sorsby filed a lawsuit in Lubbock County District Court, with a hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. CT on June 1. His legal team argues that the NCAA's decision could harm his mental health, highlighting his struggles with gambling, which included making thousands of online bets while attending Cincinnati Reds games.