Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Takes Leave of Absence for Gambling Addiction Treatment: Impact on NCAA Eligibility and Contractual Obligations
Texas Tech announced that transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby is taking an indefinite leave of absence to address a gambling addiction by entering a residential treatment program. The university expressed its commitment to supporting Sorsby through his recovery process and ensuring his long-term health and well-being. It remains unclear if Sorsby will be available for the upcoming season, and no specific timeline for his treatment was provided.
Sorsby, a 22-year-old quarterback, began his college career at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati for the past two seasons. Reports surfaced that Sorsby had placed thousands of online bets on various sports through a gambling app, potentially impacting his eligibility under NCAA rules. The NCAA is currently investigating the matter, as rules prohibit athletes from betting on their own games.
Despite being one of the prominent names in the transfer portal, Sorsby left Cincinnati for a reported $5 million deal with Texas Tech. The university's head coach, Joey McGuire, expressed support for Sorsby's decision to seek professional help and emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health. Texas Tech stated that it is dedicated to creating an environment where student-athletes feel empowered to prioritize their well-being.
Cincinnati, where Sorsby previously played, announced its intention to sue the quarterback for allegedly breaching his name, image, and likeness contract. The lawsuit claims that Sorsby signed an agreement covering the 2025 and '26 seasons with a $1 million buyout clause if he transferred, which he did when joining Texas Tech. Sorsby's departure from Cincinnati led to the Red Raiders recruiting him to replace Behren Morton, a local quarterback who had completed his eligibility.
In his college career, Sorsby has accumulated impressive statistics, including over 7,000 passing yards and 60 touchdowns, along with over 1,200 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Texas Tech refrained from providing further comments on Sorsby's status to protect the integrity of his recovery process. Cincinnati declined to comment on the situation, and the NCAA emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of competition and student-athlete well-being.
In conclusion, Brendan Sorsby's decision to address his gambling addiction through a residential treatment program has garnered support from Texas Tech and raised questions about his eligibility and contractual obligations. The university's focus on mental health and well-being underscores the importance of prioritizing athletes' holistic development.