Brendan Sorsby has had a tough few months and the road ahead isn’t getting any easier. The NCAA denied his request to regain his eligibility for the 2026 college football season, deeming him permanently ineligible under sports betting regulations introduced in 2023.
The violation dates back to bets placed on Indiana Hoosiers football games in 2022, when Sorsby redshirted as a true freshman of the program. Under current NCAA rules, betting on games involving your own team results in permanent ineligibility.
Texas Tech University is not ready to accept this result. University President Lawrence Schovanec confirmed in a letter that the school would appeal the decision and continue to fight for Sorsby’s reinstatement.
Sorsby also filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an injunction that would allow him to play in 2026. A hearing is currently scheduled for June 1 in Lubbock District Court.
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Sorsby speaks out after completing treatment for gaming addiction
All of this is happening while Sorsby is working on something much more personal. He completed treatment for gambling addiction at Algamus Recovery Services last week after stepping away from the Texas Tech program last month to enter rehab. Following this, he issued a direct and honest statement about his position.
“Even though I accept responsibility for my behavior and know that I have a lot of work ahead of me, for the first time in many years I feel freer and am no longer entirely at the mercy of my addiction,” Sorsby wrote. “This is the start of a new beginning that I feel fortunate to have. I know that recovery from addiction is a long road, and I hope that my experience has, even to a small extent, reduced the stigma associated with talking about addiction and getting help. I am committed to continuing my treatment and being a resource for many other student-athletes and other children struggling with gaming addiction and other mental health issues.”
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Sorsby thanked his coaches, teammates and the university for supporting him throughout the process. He plans to return to the Lubbock campus and utilize resources available through the Texas Tech Student Substance Abuse Center as part of his ongoing treatment.
Sorsby allegedly placed thousands of bets through gambling apps over several years, with betting on Indiana games during his freshman season the focus of the NCAA investigation.
The hearing on June 1 will be an important moment. If the injunction is granted, Sorsby could play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2026. Otherwise, the appeal process continues with the NCAA.
Related: How will the NFL handle Brendan Sorsby’s gambling history?
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