The Canadian Football League (CFL) has banned former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby from joining any team for the upcoming season, citing integrity concerns following his confession to gambling on his college team. The league stated that "Upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition are paramount to the CFL." The CFL will not register a contract for Sorsby, and no team will be permitted to add him to its negotiation list.
This decision follows the NFL's decision not to hold a supplemental draft this year, which had been Sorsby's initial pathway to professional football. Sorsby openly admitted to placing thousands of bets on college sports, including on his former team, Indiana University, and his own teammates, while he was a backup there. Court documents indicate he placed at least 2,900 bets totaling over $30,000 between June 2022 and December 2023.
Despite the NFL's supplemental draft absence, Sorsby had sought entry into the league. The CFL's ban significantly narrows his options for playing professional football before the 2027 NFL Draft. Sorsby previously played for the University of Cincinnati before transferring to Indiana and then Texas Tech. A court decision had allowed him to play for Texas Tech this past season.
The NCAA also investigated Sorsby's betting activities. While the NCAA has not found evidence that Sorsby manipulated his performance or used inside information, student-athletes are prohibited from betting on any NCAA-sanctioned sport. Wagers on their own team or other sports at their school can lead to permanent loss of eligibility. The NCAA acknowledged Sorsby's seeking treatment for gambling and anxiety disorders, according to his attorneys, but maintained he could continue his playing career elsewhere. His legal team has requested the NCAA consider his gambling violations as a mental health condition.
The United Football League (UFL) has publicly extended an offer to Sorsby, with lead owner Mike Repole inviting him to join the Dallas Renegades. Sorsby has previously attended a rehabilitation center in Arizona for 35 days.