The fallout from a judge’s decision allowing Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to remain eligible after admitting involvement in sports gambling continued to stir strong reactions across the Big 12 on Tuesday.
Conference athletic directors held a call with commissioner Brett Yormark around midday, and the discussion made one thing clear: nearly every AD in the league, with the exception of Texas Tech’s Kirby Hocutt, believes Sorsby should not be allowed to play next season, according to ESPN. The unified stance reflects growing frustration across the conference following Judge Ken Curry’s ruling, which granted Sorsby a temporary injunction expected to preserve his eligibility through the 2026 season.
That ruling has triggered unusually candid criticism from league officials, many of whom went on the record to express their disappointment. The timing of the legal process also complicates matters for the NCAA, as any appeal is unlikely to be resolved before Sorsby’s eligibility runs out, effectively rendering it moot.
Tuesday’s call carried a tone that many around the conference anticipated, given that athletic directors have described the situation in stark terms, including calling it “disgusting,” “disheartening,” and “sad.” Still, the key question remains whether that frustration will translate into meaningful action.
According to sources, the call represents just the first step in what could become a broader conference response. The Big 12’s executive board is set to meet Thursday with Yormark to evaluate potential options, followed by a full meeting of university presidents and chancellors early next week.
Whether the conference can actually declare Sorsby ineligible remains unclear. The Texas court ruling prevents the NCAA from blocking Sorsby from participating in team activities, including games. However, the Big 12 may explore its own authority under league bylaws. One option could involve disciplinary measures outlined in bylaw 3.6, which allows the conference to impose penalties such as restrictions on postseason participation, television appearances, revenue distribution, or recruiting.
In a brief statement summarizing the meeting, Yormark described the discussion as “thoughtful and productive,” emphasizing that dialogue among conference leadership would continue as the situation evolves.
