Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is taking an immediate and indefinite leave of absence from the program as he seeks treatment for a gambling addiction, the program announced on Monday, April 27.
Sorsby, 22, allegedly bet on University of Indiana football games while he was a redshirt with the Hoosiers in 2022, then placed “thousands” more online sports bets in the years since, according to ESPN.
The NCAA is reportedly investigating the report, as the organization forbids athletes to gamble on college or professional sports.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” Red Raiders head 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.”
ESPN reports that Sorsby’s alleged bets at Indiana were on the Hoosiers to win and he did not bet on any games in which he appeared. Sources told The Athletic that the majority of his bets were for “small dollar amounts” on live sports, including the Cincinnati Reds and UFC matches.
NCAA athletes are allowed to bet on UFC matches because the NCAA does not sponsor a UFC championship.
“Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current, pending or potential investigations,” the NCAA said in a statement Monday. “However, the NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to the protection of student-athlete well-being and the integrity of competition. The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators and other stakeholders to conduct appropriate due diligence whenever reports are received.”
Sorsby spent the first two years of his career with Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati for two more. He announced his commitment to Texas Tech for his final season of eligibility in a post via Instagram on January 4.
As a redshirt junior with the Bearcats, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, as Cincinnati started the season 7-1 then stumbled down the stretch, losing to Navy in the Autozone Liberty Bowl two days before Sorsby committed to Texas Tech.
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If the investigation reveals that Sorsby did, in fact, bet on Indiana games while a part of the Hoosiers’ roster, he faces a potentially permanent loss of eligibility. In the event he is no longer eligible, Sorsby can enter the NFL Supplemental Draft later this summer.
While Sorsby navigates his treatment, he is also facing a $1 million breach-of-contract lawsuit from Cincinnati, spurred by his transfer from the university. His lawyers filed a motion on Monday to dismiss the suit, saying it is unlawful under Ohio law.
“The Agreement is nothing more than a pay-for-play employment contract,” the motion reads. “It is a way for UC to pay Mr. Sorsby for his on-field performance, but in purported conformance with the NCAA’s current rules. The structure, terms, restrictions, and payments provided in the Agreement make this clear.”
