Big 12 Files Lawsuit Against Texas Tech, AG Over Sorsby

LUBBOCK, TX — The Big 12 Conference filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking court approval to enforce its bylaws and potentially sanction Texas Tech over its handling of quarterback Brendan Sorsby's sports betting case, escalating a legal dispute that could affect the player's eligibility and the school's standing within the league.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, requests a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief affirming the conference's authority to impose sanctions on Texas Tech if it allows Sorsby to compete despite his admitted history of sports betting.

The filing names Texas Attorney General Kenneth Paxton, as well as Texas Tech's chancellor, president and athletic director, as defendants. It comes days after Paxton warned the conference that any sanctions against the university would be unlawful and could prompt legal action.

At the center of the dispute is Sorsby, who received a temporary injunction from a Texas judge on June 8 that cleared the way for him to play for Texas Tech during the 2026 season. Sorsby previously admitted to violating NCAA rules by placing thousands of sports bets, including 40 wagers on Indiana football while he was a member of that program.

The Big 12 argues that its bylaws give the conference authority to determine whether Texas Tech's actions warrant punishment. The lawsuit specifically cites Bylaw 3.6, which allows conference members, through a supermajority vote, to impose sanctions on a member institution.

The conference is also seeking an injunction preventing Texas Tech from attempting to block or punish the Big 12 for exercising its authority under those bylaws. Potential penalties discussed by the conference's executive committee last week reportedly included financial sanctions and eligibility-related measures, including the possibility of barring Texas Tech from the conference championship game.

"The consequences extend beyond that institution," the conference said in the filing, arguing that allowing Sorsby to compete could affect conference standings, championship eligibility, member schools, fans and the league's reputation.

The lawsuit also points to what it describes as broad opposition within college athletics to Sorsby's participation. The filing references reported decisions by the athletic departments at Georgia and Nebraska to prohibit competition against Texas Tech and argues that Sorsby's presence creates concerns about competitive integrity.

Big 12 presidents were scheduled to meet Monday to discuss possible responses to the situation, though sources told ESPN no final decisions were expected.

The lawsuit marks an unusual legal step for a college athletics conference and reflects growing frustration among Big 12 officials. Athletic directors across the league have publicly and privately criticized the court ruling that allowed Sorsby to remain eligible, expressing concerns about the precedent it could set for college sports.

Despite the conference's legal challenge, Sorsby remains eligible to play under the June 8 injunction. His lawsuit lists June 22 as the deadline to declare for the supplemental draft.

Texas Tech did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.