University of Cincinnati Rejects Claims of Knowledge on Quarterback's Gambling Activities

CINCINNATI (AP) — The athletic department at the University of Cincinnati is contesting assertions made by the agent of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who alleged that the school was aware of Sorsby’s gambling activities without taking action. In a statement released on Wednesday, the department emphasized, “All of our student-athletes receive extensive gambling education multiple times throughout the year, and we would never knowingly play an athlete who violated NCAA sports wagering regulations. If we ever became aware of impermissible wagering, we would report to the NCAA and comply with sanctions.”

Ron Slavin, Sorsby's agent, voiced these claims during an interview with KRLD radio in Dallas. Sorsby faced a ban from the NCAA due to gambling misconduct that involved betting on his own team while he was part of the roster at Indiana in 2022, as well as placing bets on professional sports. He has since abandoned a legal challenge aimed at securing eligibility to play for Texas Tech this season.

Recently, Sorsby declared for the NFL supplemental draft, with a deadline to file by Monday. This move could expedite his entry into the professional league through a less common offseason procedure intended for prospects not eligible for the main draft. After undergoing a month-long residential treatment for a recognized addiction, Sorsby previously sued the NCAA and secured a court-ordered reinstatement, which led to widespread criticism directed at Texas Tech.

He is reportedly planning to showcase his skills for NFL teams on July 10 at a high school in the Dallas area, according to an anonymous source familiar with the situation. Additionally, the University of Cincinnati has initiated legal action against Sorsby, alleging he violated his name, image, and likeness agreement after transferring to Texas Tech. The lawsuit was filed in February in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

In response, Slavin has criticized the university’s legal pursuit as misguided, asserting that Sorsby plans to contest the lawsuit and any potential damages. Last season, Sorsby had impressive stats with 2,800 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats.