Texas Tech Seeks NCAA Revisions on Gambling Policies Amid Player Controversy

Texas Tech's President Lawrence Schovanec has announced that the university has formally requested that NCAA officials revise their gambling regulations to better align with contemporary realities. This appeal comes as Texas Tech navigates the situation involving football player Brendan Sorsby's struggles with gambling addiction.

In a video shared by Texas Tech Athletics on June 11, Schovanec expressed his changing perspective on gambling issues, stating, "I've experienced a personal evolution about how I look at these things." He emphasized that understanding the individual circumstances of those affected leads to a different viewpoint on such matters.

Schovanec noted, "We did ask the NCAA to consider modifying or changing their policies when we wrote that letter welcoming him back." He pointed out that current regulations were established long before the rise of mobile gambling, which is accessible to millions of young individuals today. He stressed the importance of recognizing medically diagnosed conditions and the context surrounding them when assessing these rules.

Brendan Sorsby has acknowledged wagering more than $90,000 over four years, with around $5,000 of that amount placed since joining Texas Tech as his third college team in January. Following violations of NCAA gambling policies, Sorsby was deemed permanently ineligible, and the NCAA has thus far rejected requests for his reinstatement. However, a recent ruling by Judge Ken Curry granted him a temporary injunction, allowing him to play in the 2026 season after serving a two-game suspension.

In a 21-minute discussion, Schovanec was joined by athletics director Kirby Hocutt, football coach Joey McGuire, and other athletic department officials. He reiterated the university's commitment to Sorsby, stating, "When I wrote the letter a couple of weeks ago welcoming Brendan back to campus, it was because we believed this was the best place for him." Schovanec highlighted the importance of the supportive environment at Texas Tech for Sorsby as he continues to address his challenges.