The Big 12 is considering its next move after receiving a warning from the Texas Attorney General’s Office that any attempt to punish Texas Tech over quarterback Brendan Sorsby could lead to significant legal consequences.
A June 11 letter sent to Commissioner Brett Yormark and board chairman Douglas A. Girod argues that sanctioning Texas Tech for complying with a court order would violate the law and expose the conference and its members to major financial risk.
The dispute follows a June 8 temporary injunction in Sorsby v. NCAA. The ruling prevents the NCAA, under specified conditions, from stopping Sorsby from practicing, playing, or otherwise participating for Texas Tech during the 2026 football season.
Judge Ken Curry granted the injunction after finding Sorsby had shown “a probable right to the relief he seeks” and that “the balance of equities is in his favor because of the hardship he would face in the absence of a temporary injunction.”
Big 12 conference response to legal threat and wider debate over Texas Tech
Lawyers representing Texas Tech said they understood the Big 12 was weighing possible action under Bylaw 3.6 because the school continues to support Sorsby as an eligible athlete. The letter argues that such penalties could amount to an unlawful group boycott and create exposure under federal and state antitrust laws, as well as claims involving breach of contract and tortious interference.
According to the filing, potential damages tied to lost football revenue, recruiting setbacks, alumni support, and business relationships could exceed $200 million.
The controversy has intensified because Sorsby’s case stems from gambling-related violations. The NCAA previously declared him permanently ineligible after he acknowledged betting on college football games, including contests involving former school Indiana. Under the court order, he must still sit out the first two games of the 2026 season and comply with treatment and monitoring requirements.
The NCAA has strongly opposed the ruling, saying, “The NCAA strongly disagrees with the court’s ruling in Sorsby’s case and is deeply concerned about the damaging, far-reaching and broadly destabilizing ramifications of this outcome — which undermines and corrupts the integrity of sports.”
Reaction across college athletics has been divided. Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen has reportedly said his school will not schedule Texas Tech in the future, while other administrators have voiced similar concerns. TCU athletic director Mike Buddie urged a slower approach, saying, “History has taught me, Jay, that for about 72 hours after crazy things happen, you probably just need to take a deep breath and think on things. Not respond emotionally.”
The backdrop is a wider crackdown on gambling-related integrity issues. Federal prosecutors announced charges against 26 people in January in an alleged international point-shaving scheme involving NCAA Division I basketball and Chinese professional games. Prosecutors allege more than 39 players across over 17 schools were involved or targeted.
Shortly after receiving the letter, Yormark issued a statement, sent to ReadWrite, saying the conference was reviewing the concerns raised by the state.
“Shortly before the start of today’s Big 12 Executive Board meeting, the Conference received a letter from the Texas Attorney General’s office notifying the Conference of potential legal action from Texas Tech if the Conference pursues certain actions under its Bylaws,” Yormark said. “We are taking time with our legal counsel to understand the concerns of the state and will meet again with the full Board next week.”
Yormark said the Executive Board proceeded with its scheduled meeting and discussed the matter in advance of a broader gathering of conference leadership.
“We moved forward with our Executive Board today in preparation for our full Board meeting on Monday. We had a good and informative discussion. Sentiment among the Executive Board was no different from what we heard from the ADs earlier this week,” he said.
The commissioner added that no decision has been made.
Featured image: Cincinnati Bearcats (GoBearcats) via YouTube / Big 12 Conference
