Tony’s Take | CFB Gambling | BIG12 | Edition 98

By Tony Duckworth, [email protected]

CFB Gambling.  When CFB fans didn’t think their sport could get crazier, court documents reveal that Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby placed at least 2,900 bets totaling over $90,000 across his time at Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech, according to CBS Sports.  As a result, Sorsby was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA. 

An interesting twist to the story, ESPN reports Sorsby admitted to placing more than 40 wagers on Indiana during the 2022 season, though none were on games he personally played in.  

In an unlikely ruling by a Texas Judge, Sorsby was awarded an injunction to play college football this season, citing mental health and a gambling addiction.  The NCAA filed an appeal of the ruling; if the association doesn’t get this ruling reversed, what credibility does the NCAA have moving forward?   

Players gambling on their teams or being “on the take” to sandbag against their team is nothing new.  The NBA and college basketball have recently been hit by a gambling-related point-shaving scandal. The first documented sports gambling scandal dates back to 1865. Three professional baseball players accepted $100 (today’s value is $2,043) bribes to intentionally lose a game.  There has always been a code in sports that athletes can’t gamble or influence the outcome of contests in games they participate in.   

Words and phrases cited by major university coaches and athletics directors related to the Texas Tech case in an ESPN piece by Pete Thamel caught my attention.  Some of my personal favorites are disgusted, stunned, horrendous pattern, eroding integrity, and lost our souls. 

What if Texas Tech took a stand and ruled Sorsby ineligible?  That won’t happen.  In fact, Texas Tech’s President has been public in his support of Sorsby.  I’m guessing those speaking out the loudest against Texas Tech would likely justify this scenario if their program were involved.  

While I am not defending Sorsby, here are several major university scandals that far exceed a gambling addiction:   

Penn State Sandusky Scandal (2011) – Child sexual abuse by assistant coach Jerry Sandusky and a major cover-up by university executives, including coaching legend Joe Paterno. 

Baylor Football Sexual Assault Scandal (2012–2016) – Dozens of assaults by players, coaches and administrators were ignored and covered up the assaults. 

In 2003, a Baylor basketball player murdered a teammate. While the murder investigation unfolded, head coach Dave Bliss became involved in a major scandal: 

• Bliss had made illegal tuition payments to players violating NCAA rules. 
• To cover up the payments during the NCAA investigation, Bliss tried to portray the murdered player as a drug dealer who paid his own tuition with drug money. 
• Bliss coached players on what to tell investigators and was caught on tape made by an assistant coach. 

Everyone should take a breath and let the appeals process play out before final judgment is made.  That being said, those speaking out today would likely not go public with the incidents above, given that those scandals had little to do with impacting competition.   

BIG12.  The last time the BIG12 was in major national headlines was related to the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC.   

ESPN’s Heather Dinich reports the BIG12 Chancellors and Presidents may impose their own penalties against Texas Tech.  Dinich has a source who has reviewed the BIG12 bylaws that allow the league leadership to impose conference-led sanctions.  Her source reached out to an attorney who confirmed this is within the authority of the BIG12 to act.  The BIG12 Chancellors and Presidents meet on Thursday.  The outcome of this meeting will provide an indication if the league is considering taking action against the Red Raiders. 

Having sat in Chancellor / President and AD meetings multiple times, one thing is certain: campus CEO’s are deliberate about not interfering with other universities.  While the brass hides behind claims of campus autonomy, they really fear how the creeping effect could lead to a similar outcome if their institution is involved in a similar situation. 

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that BIG12 Director of Athletics had a conference call with the Commissioner following the ruling.  I’m guessing Texas Tech’s AD said little to nothing during this venting fest.  One thing I can assure you is that the ADs are using their influence with the campus CEO’s and influential boosters to force the President’s hands to take collective conference action in this instance.  One could make the argument that other college football players have gambled on their sport and team, but it has not surfaced.  The trolls who recently impacted college basketball aren’t isolated to the hardwood. 

CFB will be watching the BIG12 and the NCAA appeal in the coming weeks, knowing a majority of fans are outraged about where the Sorsby case has landed. 

Follow Tony Duckworth on the X platform at @tonyduckworthsr or email him at [email protected].  Duckworth is a native of Macon and is the President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA.  Tony worked in intercollegiate athletics for thirty-one years.  He was an NCAA Division II Director of Athletics at three universities, including Albany State, following ten years as a head men’s basketball coach at two colleges.