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Big 12 Sues Texas Tech and Texas AG to Preserve Right to Enforce Sorsby Sanctions

A federal court will decide whether the conference can punish a member school for playing Brendan Sorsby despite a state judge’s order.

Overview

  • The Big 12 filed a 47‑page complaint on Monday in the Northern District of Texas asking for a declaratory judgment that it may enforce conference bylaws and sanction Texas Tech if the school plays quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
  • Sorsby is currently eligible under a Lubbock County injunction that requires a two‑game suspension and monitored treatment even as the NCAA pursues an expedited appeal of his prior permanent ineligibility ruling.
  • The conference told the court it has discussed possible penalties that could include monetary fines and a ban on competing in the Big 12 Championship Game if a supermajority of members votes to sanction Texas Tech.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent the Big 12 a letter warning that sanctions would create antitrust exposure and threatened legal action, a claim the league asks the federal court to reject while also arguing Paxton’s interference violates the Commerce Clause.
  • The case raises short‑term operational pressures — from member schools pausing scheduling to the June 22 NFL supplemental‑draft window — and longer legal fights that include the NCAA appeal and a trial date set for February 8, 2027.