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Big 12 sues Texas Tech and Texas AG Ken Paxton over Brendan Sorsby eligibility ruling

The Big 12 has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility. Texas Tech has already barred Sorsby from playing, but the conference seeks a court ruling to enforce its bylaws. Paxton has threatened legal action if the Big 12 moves forward with penalties, citing potential liability. The dispute hinges on whether Texas Tech violated NCAA transfer rules by allowing Sorsby to compete early.

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What changed

Texas AG Ken Paxton has formally warned the Big 12 of 'substantial liability' if it punishes Texas Tech for playing Sorsby, escalating the legal standoff.

Live updates

  1. Big 12 sues Texas Tech and Paxton; AG warns of legal risks if sanctions imposed

    The Big 12 has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility. Texas Tech has already barred Sorsby from playing, but the conference seeks a court ruling to enforce its bylaws. Paxton has threatened legal action if the Big 12 moves forward with penalties, citing potential liability. The dispute hinges on whether Texas Tech violated NCAA transfer rules by allowing Sorsby to compete early.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Big 12 has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech University and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over the Brendan Sorsby eligibility dispute.
    • Texas Tech has announced Brendan Sorsby will not play this season, though the Big 12 insists on a court ruling to enforce its bylaws and impose sanctions.
    • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened legal action against the Big 12 if it takes disciplinary steps against Texas Tech for playing Sorsby.
    • The dispute centers on whether Texas Tech violated NCAA transfer rules by allowing Sorsby to compete sooner than permitted.
    confidence 100%

  2. Big 12 sues Texas Tech and Paxton over Sorsby ruling; QB sits out

    The Big 12 has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to block the school’s plan to field quarterback Brendan Sorsby this season. Texas Tech has since announced Sorsby will not play, but the conference insists on a court ruling to enforce its bylaws and impose sanctions. Paxton has threatened legal action if the Big 12 moves forward with penalties. The dispute centers on whether Texas Tech violated NCAA transfer rules by allowing Sorsby to compete sooner than permitted.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to challenge the school’s eligibility ruling for quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
    • Texas Tech announced Brendan Sorsby will not play this season following legal threats from the Big 12 and warnings from Paxton.
    • The conference seeks a court ruling to enforce its bylaws and sanction Texas Tech’s football program over Sorsby’s eligibility.
    • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned the Big 12 against imposing sanctions on Texas Tech, stating any such action would be met with legal resistance.
    confidence 100%

  3. Big 12 sues Texas Tech, AG Paxton over Sorsby eligibility ruling

    The Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to challenge the school's plan to play quarterback Brendan Sorsby this season. Texas Tech announced Sorsby will not play amid legal threats. The conference seeks a court ruling to enforce its bylaws and sanction the program. Paxton had warned of legal action if the Big 12 pursued penalties against Texas Tech.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit on Monday night seeking a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief to allow the conference to use its bylaws to sanction Texas Tech for playing quarterback Brendan Sorsby this season.
    • Texas Tech issued a statement confirming Sorsby will not be a member of the football team this fall.
    • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had previously threatened legal action against the Big 12 if it pursued sanctions against Texas Tech over Sorsby.
    • A Lubbock judge previously blocked the NCAA from banning Sorsby despite his acknowledged gambling addiction.
    • The lawsuit argues that Paxton and Texas Tech’s threats to sue the conference violate the First Amendment and federal antitrust law.
    • The Big 12’s legal action follows a week after Sorsby was granted an injunction allowing him to play.
    • The conference is seeking to clarify its authority to enforce its own bylaws and impose penalties on Texas Tech.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Texas Tech officials may face individual legal consequences as part of the Big 12’s lawsuit.
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