April 27 (UPI) — Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby will take an immediate indefinite leave of absence and enter a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction, the Red Raiders announced Monday.
Word of his decision came the same day ESPN, CBS Sports and On3.com reported that Sorsby was discovered to have made bets on Indiana when he played for the Hoosiers’ football team in 2022. The NCAA has launched an investigation into the matter.
Sorsby, who was among one of the top players in the transfer portal, committed to play for the Red Raiders in January. He threw for 2,800 yards, 27 scores and five interceptions, with 580 yards and nine rushing scores, over 12 appearances last season at Cincinnati.
Sources told ESPN and CBS Sports that he placed “thousands of online bets on a variety of sports” through a gambling app while he was redshirting as a true freshman at Indiana. Sorsby spent his 2022 and 2023 campaigns with the Hoosiers.
“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire said in a news release. “Taking this step requires courage, and our primary focus is on him as a person.
“Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.”
The Red Raiders did not disclose a timeline for Sorsby’s potential return. Student-athletes who violate NCAA sports betting rules are subject to permanent eligibility loss.
“Texas Tech’s primary focus remains on fostering an environment where student-athletes feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and seek professional assistance,” the Red Raiders said.
“To protect the integrity of the recovery process, Texas Tech will have no further comment on Brendan’s status or treatment progress at this time. We kindly ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of Brendan and his family.”
Cincinnati filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Sorsby earlier this year in U.S, District Court for the Southern District of Ohio seeking $1 million on allegations that the quarterback violated a revenue sharing agreement with the school. Cincinnati said Sorsby was contractually obligated to pay the damages within 30 days of his transfer.
That legal battle is ongoing.
Sorsby is tied with Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood for the fourth-highest estimated name, image and likeness (NIL) valuation among college football players, at $3.1 million, according to On3.com.
