Multiple states have launched investigations into the betting activity of Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
Sorsby, formerly of Indiana University and the University of Cincinnati, was reported to have placed thousands of wagers during his time as an NCAA student-athlete.
Key Takeaways
- Sorsby allegedly bet on his own team while at Indiana.
- At least $5 million in NIL payments are hanging in the balance, depending on if Sorsby plays this season.
- The NCAA maintains the right to permanently pull the eligibility of individuals who wager $801 or more.
The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) and Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) are looking into the actions of Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech earlier in the offseason, according to ESPN’s David Purdum. The NCAA – which strictly forbids betting by student-athletes – is also conducting an internal investigation.
Texas Tech announced on April 27 that Sorsby would be away from the program indefinitely as he sought treatment at a rehabilitation facility for a gambling addiction.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire said in a statement. “Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.”
Sorsby owned and operated accounts with sportsbooks and daily fantasy operators in several states, according to reports. He is also accused of placing bets under accounts that he did not own.
The gunslinger was a high-volume, low-stakes bettor, multiple sources told Purdum. ESPN’s Pete Thamel also reported that Sorsby bet on Indiana games during his freshman season in Bloomington, just three years before the Hoosiers went on to win the national championship.
He only bet on his team to win, according to reports.
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Potential loss of eligibility
NCAA student-athletes are prohibited from betting on all professional and amateur sports, though there have been multiple incidents in college athletics.
Punishments for violations can range from rules and prevention education courses to a full loss of eligibility, based on the amount of money that was wagered.
The maximum punishment tier is for individuals who bet $801 or more. Anyone guilty of committing offenses in this tier may lose 30% or more of their eligibility and be required to take rules and prevention courses, if they aren’t permanently stripped of their eligibility.
Sorsby hired renowned attorney Jeffrey Kessler to help preserve his ability to participate in the upcoming college football season. Kessler previously represented NFL legend Tom Brady in the wake of the “Deflategate” scandal, a team for the NFL Players Association, and other prominent individuals and groups.
The NCAA does not have the authority to require student-athletes to assist its investigations. However, it works with sportsbooks, integrity monitoring partners, state gaming officials, and other relevant authorities and may impose penalties for individuals who do not aid investigators.
As the top-ranked player in the transfer portal in this recruiting cycle, Sorsby stood to make at least $5 million in NIL payments during the upcoming college football season. Texas Tech won the Big 12 and reached the College Football Playoff a year ago, and Sorsby was expected to lead their charge to go deeper into the bracket after they were bounced in the first round.
However, Sorsby’s NIL plan was largely contingent upon his participation in the upcoming season. Losing his eligibility would lead to huge financial losses, on top of limiting his opportunity to showcase his talent for NFL evaluators.
A troubling track record
Unfortunately for Sorsby, a harrowing precedent is in place for quarterbacks who bet on their own teams.
In 2023, former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA after a criminal investigation found that he had bet on at least one game involving his team. Although it was later ruled that investigators illegally obtained information regarding several bettors’ histories, leading to the dismissal of all felony charges, Dekkers did not appear in another college game.
The IGC, OCCC, and NCAA are all still investigating Sorsby.
