Big 12 officially files court case to support sanctions against Texas Tech

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After the college football world watched the Texas Attorney General threaten legal action against the Big 12, the conference has responded. In an unprecedented move, the Big 12 has filed a complaint in federal court in Dallas as it seeks to move forward with potential sanctions. The filing could ultimately make sanctions against the Texas Tech Red Raiders a reality.

Reports indicate the Big 12 has filed a complaint against both the Texas Attorney General and Texas Tech. The conference is seeking a declaratory judgment that would allow it to enforce its bylaws. If granted, the ruling could pave the way for sanctions stemming from the Brendan Sorsby case.

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The move appears calculated and comes at a time when the Big 12 is attempting to do what Texas courts failed to do. If Texas Tech refuses to do the right thing, the conference seems intent on forcing the issue—or imposing consequences.

Texas Tech officials have consistently argued that the program did nothing wrong, but much of the college football world views the situation differently.

To be fair, Texas Tech did not know about Sorsby’s gambling activities, nor did it secure legal representation for him. However, the school still provided him with a reported $5 million NIL deal. They also appealed to the NCAA on his behalf and have continued to keep him on the roster. The appropriate course of action would have been to remove him from the team after helping him receive treatment.

Instead, Texas Tech has done everything within its power to keep Sorsby on the roster. The university has also worked aggressively to justify its actions in the court of public opinion. At this point, the only people buying that argument appear to be those closely associated with Texas Tech.

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There is a fine line between supporting a player and enabling one. Texas Tech deserves credit for helping Sorsby receive treatment. However, continuing to shield him from meaningful consequences crosses that line. As it stands, Sorsby faces minimal punishment for violating one of the most basic rules in sports: don’t gamble, especially not on your own team.

For now, there is no definitive timeline for how long the legal process will take. Sorsby is currently slated to serve a two-game suspension during the regular season—a punishment many view as woefully inadequate. The Big 12 appears determined to make one thing clear: it believes Sorsby’s college football career should be over.

The conference is prepared to use every tool at its disposal to pursue that outcome.

As they should and must for the integrity left in college athletics.

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