Big 12 Board of Directors Issues Statement Concerning Legal Complaint

As a follow up to the Big 12 filing an official complaint against Texas Tech, the conference’s Board of Directors issued a statement.

“Last night, the Big 12 filed a legal complaint asking a federal court to protect the constitutional and contractual rights of the Conference and our member institutions to take actions expressly permitted under our Bylaws,” read the statement.

“The Big 12 has long spoken out about the dangers of sports wagering by student-athletes and remains committed to protecting the competitive integrity of conference competition. Universities should not field players who have bet on their own team’s games in college athletics. This situation is evolving with pending legal matters and the upcoming start of the football season, and the Conference hopes for a timely resolution of these issues. The Board continues to keep all options on the table.”

The conference is demanding the Red Raiders enforce its bylaws, threatening to potentially sanction the school for plans to play Brendan Sorsby.

This next step comes after a week of meetings and statements by Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who had to respond to the rest of the league’s disapproval of the recent ruling that granted Sorsby eligibility despite admitting to betting on college football.

The Big 12’s complaint reads as follows: “During the week prior to filing this Complaint, TTU communicated its intent directly to the Conference to field Sorsby in Conference football games. Though TTU has been asked by both the Conference and many University Presidents, Athletic Directors, and other representatives of Big 12 Member Institutions to choose not to field Sorsby in Conference competitions, TTU has not agreed to such requests.”

Brett Yormark’s Initial Statement:

Below is Yormark’s initial statement after learning the news about Sorsby, who has admitted to betting on college football games while a member of both Cincinnati and Indiana, even betting on his team.

“The ramifications of today’s ruling are significant and could have broad impacts across college athletics, creating great concern amongst our membership. I’ve been consulting with our key stakeholders and have scheduled a meeting with our Conference ADs and our Executive Board this week. We are also in touch with Charlie Baker and anticipate the NCAA to appeal the order in the next 24-48 hours. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.”

Yormark’s Thoughts After First Meeting With the Rest of the Big 12

Yormark then offered more in light of reports about Big 12 programs considering going as far as refusing to play Texas Tech.

“We had a thoughtful and productive conversation with our athletics directors today as we continue to work through the broader implications of this situation. Many of our athletics directors voiced their opinions. We will continue to have open and honest dialogue amongst the group and until there is something to report, these conversations will remain within the conference.”

Yormark’s Most Detailed Update Following Texas Tech’s Threats

And then Yormark provided yet another update on June 11, his most detailed statement that followed multiple meetings and Texas Tech officials threatening lawsuits if teams refused to take part in scheduled games.

“Shortly before the start of today’s Big 12 Executive Board meeting, the Conference received a letter from the Texas Attorney General’s office notifying the Conference of potential legal action from Texas Tech if the Conference pursues certain actions under its Bylaws,”said Yormark.

“We are taking time with our legal counsel to understand the concerns of the state and will meet again with the full Board next week. We moved forward with our Executive Board today in preparation for our full Board meeting on Monday. We had a good and informative discussion. Sentiment among the Executive Board was no different from what we heard from the ADs earlier this week. Our discussion with the full Board will determine our course of action, and all options remain on the table.”

More on the Timeline of Events, Brendan Sorsby’s College Career

Sorbsy, 22, announced his transfer to Texas Tech in early January after spending two season each at Indiana and then Cincinnati. Months later on April 27, Sorsby checked himself into rehab for sports gambling. Sorsby went 1-6 in seven starts in two years with the Hoosiers. In. his second seasons with the Bearcats in 2025, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards with 27 touchdowns and only five interceptions, leading Cincinnati to a 7-5 record in 2025. He also ran for 580 yards and scored nine times on the ground last season.

The story unfolded and unraveled from there.

Due to the controversial nature of a player who has admitted betting possibly taking the field, West Virginia Sports Now will continue to update this constantly developing story.

Find more coverage of the Big 12 Conference at WV Sports Now.