Texas AG Warns Big 12 of Legal Action Over Sanctions Threat

WHO:

Fox News - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is involved in the situation.

NBC Sports - Attorney Thomas D. York represents the Texas Attorney General's office.

NBC Sports - Texas Tech University and its quarterback Brendan Sorsby are central to the issue.

WHAT:

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's letter states that any sanction against Texas Tech for acting consistent with the court order would be a "per se violation of federal and state antitrust laws."

NBC Sports - The letter warns that if the Big 12 sanctions Texas Tech, the university will pursue "all legal avenues to protect its interests and those of Texas Tech’s student-athletes."

On3 - The letter from Paxton suggests the state would seek “substantially more than $200 million” from both the Big 12 and its other members for any lawsuit resulting from potential sanctions against Texas Tech.

On3 - The letter concludes with a clear warning that Texas Tech will pursue all legal avenues if the Big 12 seeks to sanction the university for complying with the court order.

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's letter states that the Big 12 would face exposure to treble damages, including for Texas Tech’s lost football revenues, damages to its alumni contributions, and damages to its recruitment, plus attorneys’ fees, with total exposure being “substantially more than $200 million.”

On3 - The Big 12 executive committee, which includes Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and the presidents from Kansas State and BYU, is set to meet to discuss potential options following the injunction ruling.

On3 - The full Big 12 Board of Directors is currently scheduled to meet next week to potentially vote on any potential sanctions against Texas Tech.

On3 - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's letter suggested the state would seek “substantially more than $200 million” from both the Big 12 and its other members for any lawsuit resulting from potential sanctions against Texas Tech.

On3 - The letter from Paxton states that the Big 12 would face exposure to treble damages, including for Texas Tech’s lost football revenues, damages to its alumni contributions, and damages to its recruitment, plus attorneys’ fees.

NBC Sports - Sorsby was granted a temporary injunction that rolled back the NCAA’s decision to issue a permanent eligibility ban against him, which included more than 40 wagers on Indiana football games in 2022 totaling over $90,000.

NBC Sports - The letter from attorney Thomas D. York states that any attempt by the Big 12 to sanction Texas Tech would expose the conference to liability for "tortious interference" with Brendan Sorsby's existing and prospective contractual relations, including name, image, and likeness deals.

NBC Sports - The letter warns that sanctions against Texas Tech would be a "per se violation of federal and state antitrust laws."

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's office stated that any sanctions against Texas Tech for complying with a court order would be "unlawful" and expose the Big 12 to "substantial liability."

NBC Sports - The letter from attorney Thomas D. York claims that the Big 12 would face liability for "breach of contract and tortious interference."

NBC Sports - The letter warns that if the Big 12 sanctions Texas Tech, the university will pursue "all legal avenues to protect its interests and those of Texas Tech’s student-athletes."

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's office has warned the Big 12 against sanctioning Texas Tech.

NBC Sports - The letter states that sanctions would be unlawful and expose the Big 12 to substantial liability.

NBC Sports - A group punishment of Texas Tech would violate federal and state antitrust laws.

NBC Sports - The letter warns that Texas Tech will pursue all legal avenues if sanctions are imposed.

WHERE:

NBC Sports - The situation involves the Big 12 Conference, which includes Texas Tech.

WHEN:

NBC Sports - The letter from the Texas Attorney General's office was posted by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The letter emphasizes that any attempt by the Big 12 to sanction Texas Tech would violate a court order and could lead to liability for "tortious interference" with Brendan Sorsby's existing and prospective contractual relations, including name, image, and likeness deals.

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's office argues that sanctions would disadvantage Texas Tech by cutting off access to necessary resources for competition.

NBC Sports - The motivation behind the warning is to protect Texas Tech's interests and those of its student-athletes.

HOW:

NBC Sports - Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, emphasized that any attempt by the Big 12 to circumvent the court order, including sanctions against Texas Tech, would expose the conference to liability for tortious interference with Sorsby’s existing and prospective contractual relations, including name, image, and likeness deals.

NBC Sports - Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, emphasized that any attempt by the Big 12 to sanction Texas Tech would violate the court order and warned that such actions would expose the Big 12 to liability for tortious interference with Sorsby’s existing and prospective contractual relations.

NBC Sports - Jeffrey Kessler, Sorsby's attorney, emphasized that the Big 12 is bound by the court order as an entity "in active concert or participation" with the NCAA and warned against any actions that would circumvent the order.

NBC Sports - Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, sent a letter to the Big 12 explaining the conference's obligation to honor the court ruling and warned against any actions that would circumvent the order.

NBC Sports - The Texas Attorney General's office communicated its position through a formal letter to the Big 12.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 21:30 UTC)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a letter stating that any sanctions against Texas Tech for complying with a court order would violate both federal and state antitrust laws. The letter warns that if the Big 12 moves forward with sanctions, Texas Tech will explore all legal options to protect its interests and those of its student-athletes, potentially seeking more than $200 million in damages. Additionally, Sorsby's attorney has highlighted that any attempt by the Big 12 to bypass the court order could lead to liability for tortious interference with existing and future contracts, including name, image, and likeness agreements.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 17:50 UTC)

The Texas Attorney General has warned that the Big 12 could face treble damages exceeding $200 million due to Texas Tech's lost football revenues, alumni contributions, and recruitment issues, along with attorneys' fees. In response, the Big 12 executive committee, which includes commissioner Brett Yormark and the presidents from Kansas State and BYU, is set to meet to explore potential options following a recent injunction ruling. Additionally, the full Big 12 Board of Directors is scheduled to convene next week to consider possible sanctions against Texas Tech, while Sorsby's attorney has cautioned that any attempt to bypass the court order could lead to liability for tortious interference.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 16:02 UTC)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has indicated that the state plans to pursue “substantially more than $200 million” from the Big 12 and its members in connection with potential sanctions against Texas Tech. Paxton's letter highlights that the Big 12 could face treble damages for lost football revenues, alumni contributions, recruitment impacts, and legal fees. Meanwhile, Sorsby has received a temporary injunction against the NCAA's permanent eligibility ban, and his attorney has warned that any sanctions from the Big 12 could violate the court order, exposing the conference to liability for interfering with Sorsby’s contracts.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 10:21 UTC)

A letter from attorney Thomas D. York has raised serious concerns about potential sanctions against Texas Tech by the Big 12, stating that such actions could lead to liability for "tortious interference" with Brendan Sorsby's existing and future contracts, including name, image, and likeness deals. The letter also warns that any sanctions would violate federal and state antitrust laws. Jeffrey Kessler, Sorsby's attorney, highlighted that the Big 12 is bound by a court order and cautioned against any actions that might undermine that ruling, emphasizing their active participation with the NCAA.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 04:24 UTC)

The Texas Attorney General's office has declared that any sanctions imposed by the Big 12 against Texas Tech for following a court order would be unlawful and could expose the conference to significant liability. A letter from attorney Thomas D. York warns that the Big 12 could face claims for breach of contract and tortious interference if they proceed with sanctions, and Texas Tech is prepared to explore all legal options to defend its interests and those of its student-athletes. Additionally, attorney Jeffrey Kessler has communicated to the Big 12 the importance of adhering to the court ruling, cautioning that any actions to bypass the order would be problematic.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 21:45 UTC)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning the Big 12 Conference against imposing sanctions on Texas Tech University, stating that such actions would be unlawful and could expose the conference to significant liability. In a formal letter, the Attorney General's office emphasized that a group punishment would violate federal and state antitrust laws and that Texas Tech would explore all legal options if sanctions are enforced. The letter also highlights the importance of protecting Texas Tech's interests and those of its student-athletes, as sanctions could hinder their access to essential resources for competition.