Texas Tech is standing by its plan to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby next season as he continues treatment for a gambling addiction, despite widespread criticism and NCAA opposition. School leaders, including head coach Joey McGuire, defended the decision Wednesday, arguing that Sorsby’s situation does not warrant permanent ineligibility.
A Lubbock County judge recently granted Sorsby a temporary injunction restoring his eligibility after the NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible for betting on sports, including dozens of wagers on his own team while at Indiana. Sorsby, who has admitted to thousands of bets totaling around $90,000, completed a residential treatment program in late May. He did not bet on Texas Tech games.
Speaking at the Houston Touchdown Club, McGuire acknowledged the backlash but drew a distinction from more serious offenses. “It’s crazy because it’s not murder, it’s not beating somebody — so there’s a lot of things that we’re working through. None of this is OK,” he said. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt and university officials have emphasized support for Sorsby’s recovery with ongoing clinical care, monitoring, and compliance measures.
"It's crazy...because it's not murder, it's not beating somebody..."
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 10, 2026
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire defends his QB Brendan Sorsby, who's under fire for gambling on his own team's football games: pic.twitter.com/nz0OfwP5OC
The ruling has sparked intense debate across college football, with some programs and athletic directors threatening boycotts over concerns about competitive integrity. NCAA President Charlie Baker has called for federal legislation to strengthen enforcement of gambling rules.
Sorsby will miss the Red Raiders’ first two games of the season while the legal process continues. Texas Tech says it remains committed to his health and well-being as a student-athlete.
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