Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby seeks treatment for gambling addiction

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is taking an indefinite leave of absence to enter a treatment program for a gambling addiction. 

Texas Tech University did not comment on whether the quarterback would be available for the upcoming season or a timetable for his return. 

What they’re saying:

Texas Tech University released a statement saying, in part, the “Primary focus remains on fostering an environment where student-athletes feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and seek professional assistance.” 

“We love Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. “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.”

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Dig deeper:

Sorsby was reported to have made “thousands of online bets on a variety of sports via a gambling app,” according to unidentified sources reported by ESPN. They said he also took bets on his own team to win in 2022, but did not wager on the game in which he appeared that season.  

The business of college sports

The backstory:

The Texas native played high school football in the Lone Star state before heading to Indiana University for his freshman year in 2022. He would then transfer to Cincinnati for two seasons and later land a multimillion-dollar deal to return to Texas for his final year of college football, according to the Associated Press. 

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The other side:

“Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current, pending or potential investigations,” the NCAA said in a statement released to news organizations. “However, the NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to the protection of student-athlete well-being and the integrity of competition. The association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators and other stakeholders to conduct appropriate due diligence whenever reports are received.”

Big picture view:

Sorby took a $5 million deal from Texas Tech to leave Cincinnati. The Red Raiders completed a school-record 12 wins last season before a loss to Oregon in the Orange Bowl.