AG warns Big 12 if TTU punished for Sorsby case
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- Ken Paxton sent a letter to Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and board chairman Douglas Girod warning the league of "substantial liability" if it sanctions Texas Tech for playing quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
- Big 12 scheduled a presidents' meeting Thursday to consider invoking Bylaw 3.6 to sanction Texas Tech for fielding Sorsby, who the NCAA declared ineligible for wagering on college sports.
- Ken Curry granted a temporary injunction on Monday allowing Sorsby to play for Texas Tech, a decision the NCAA plans to appeal.
- Ken Paxton warned that the Big 12 could face over $200 million in joint and several liability for damages to Texas Tech’s football revenues, alumni contributions, recruitment, and attorneys’ fees.
- Ken Paxton also cautioned that sanctioning Texas Tech could expose the Big 12 to antitrust claims, breach‑of‑contract liability, and tortious interference.
- Mike Buddie and Gene Taylor said other Big 12 teams might refuse to play Texas Tech if Sorsby takes the field.
- Big 12 athletics directors held a conference call with Yormark where the league’s 15 other universities unanimously opposed Texas Tech playing Sorsby this season.
Why it matters: The warning puts the Big 12’s $200 million‑plus exposure on the line, threatening the conference’s contracts, sponsorships and revenue streams, while Texas Tech risks losing games, alumni support and recruiting advantages if the league moves to sanction the team.
