Texas AG Issues Warning Over Sanctions in Sorsby Case
WHO:
Deseret News - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Deseret News - Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond
Deseret News - Texas Tech University
Deseret News - Brendan Sorsby, quarterback for Texas Tech
Deseret News - Big 12 Conference leadership, including Commissioner Brett Yormark and Board of Directors Chairman Douglas Girod
WHAT:
Deseret News - Gentner Drummond stated that Texas Tech has "shirked responsibility by running with a bogus claim to a friendly court."
Deseret News - Drummond claimed that Texas Tech's actions in obtaining eligibility for Sorsby have "constituted a shameful chapter in the story of college football."
NBC Sports - Drummond emphasized that the court order restoring Sorsby's eligibility applies only to the NCAA and not to the Big 12.
Deseret News - Ken Paxton sent a letter to Big 12 leadership warning of legal and financial consequences for punishing Texas Tech.
Deseret News - Gentner Drummond recommended the Big 12 take action against Texas Tech for its handling of Sorsby’s gambling controversy.
Deseret News - Sorsby was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA due to gambling activities, including betting on Indiana football games in 2022.
Deseret News - A Texas judge granted Sorsby a preliminary injunction, making him eligible to play in 2026.
Deseret News - Paxton claimed the Big 12 could face costs exceeding $200 million due to Texas Tech's lost revenues and damages.
Deseret News - Drummond stated that Texas Tech's defense citing antitrust laws would fail.
WHERE:
Deseret News - Texas Tech University
Deseret News - Oklahoma
WHEN:
Deseret News - The Big 12 leadership met to discuss the situation on a Thursday.
Deseret News - The letter from Drummond was sent on a Friday.
WHY:
Deseret News - Drummond accused Texas Tech's leadership of prioritizing winning over "sport, over honor, and over integrity."
Deseret News - Drummond accused Texas Tech of prioritizing winning over integrity and honor in sports.
Deseret News - Paxton warned that the Big 12 would be liable for damages due to Texas Tech's actions.
HOW:
Deseret News - Drummond requested that the Big 12 utilize Bylaw 3.6 to discipline Texas Tech for actions adverse to the conference's best interests.
Deseret News - Drummond requested the Big 12 utilize Bylaw 3.6 to discipline Texas Tech for actions adverse to the conference's best interests.
Deseret News - Texas Tech released a 21-minute video supporting Sorsby, which garnered nearly 4 million views.
(UPDATED June 13, 2026 04:21 UTC)
Gentner Drummond has criticized Texas Tech for what he calls a "bogus claim to a friendly court," asserting that the university's actions regarding the eligibility of player Sorsby have created a "shameful chapter in the story of college football." He emphasized that the court order restoring Sorsby's eligibility only applies to the NCAA and not to the Big 12, accusing Texas Tech's leadership of prioritizing winning over the values of sport, honor, and integrity. In light of these concerns, Drummond has requested that the Big 12 take disciplinary action against Texas Tech, citing Bylaw 3.6 to protect the conference's best interests.
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(UPDATED June 12, 2026 23:26 UTC)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to Big 12 leadership warning of potential legal and financial repercussions if they punish Texas Tech for its handling of quarterback Brendan Sorsby's gambling controversy. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has recommended action against Texas Tech, arguing that the university prioritized winning over integrity, while also stating that their defense citing antitrust laws would likely fail. Sorsby, who was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for gambling on Indiana football games in 2022, has received a preliminary injunction from a Texas judge, allowing him to play in 2026.