Oklahoma attorney general rejects Paxton’s antitrust argument, says conference should act independently of NCAA case
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking the Big 12 Conference to sanction Texas Tech over the Brendan Sorsby gambling controversy, rejecting claims by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that conference discipline would violate antitrust laws.
In a letter sent Friday to Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and Big 12 Board of Directors Chairman Douglas Girod, Drummond argued that the conference has both the authority and responsibility to take action against one of its member institutions despite an ongoing legal dispute involving Sorsby.
The dispute centers on Sorsby, Texas Tech’s projected starting quarterback, who transferred from Indiana after reportedly wagering approximately $90,000 on sports over a four-year period. According to Drummond’s letter, Sorsby also placed 40 bets on games involving his own team while playing for the Hoosiers.
“The idea that the Big 12 may not sanction the actions of one of its members under an agreed-upon preexisting contract is facially absurd,” Drummond wrote.
Drummond’s letter was sent a day after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued that sanctions against Texas Tech could violate federal and state antitrust laws. Drummond called those claims “meritless” and cited court decisions that he said recognize the authority of athletic conferences to adopt and enforce rules governing member institutions.
The Oklahoma attorney general said his office has a direct interest in the matter because Oklahoma State University is a member of the Big 12 and the state has an interest in maintaining the integrity of conference competition.
Drummond argued that athlete gambling, particularly betting on games involving one’s own team, threatens public confidence in college athletics.
“Fans purchase tickets to games and pay ever-growing prices to watch them on television on the understanding that they are watching an honest, fair sporting event,” he wrote.
Sorsby previously obtained a court injunction preventing the NCAA from enforcing a suspension while litigation over his eligibility continues. However, Drummond argued that the order applies only to the NCAA and does not prevent the Big 12 from taking independent action under its own bylaws.
The Oklahoma attorney general also criticized Texas Tech’s handling of the controversy, accusing university leaders of prioritizing winning over accountability.
“If Texas Tech will not do the right thing, the Big 12 should,” Drummond wrote.
Drummond concluded by offering legal support if the conference faces challenges related to any disciplinary action.
“My office stands ready to assist the Big 12 if Texas Tech’s leadership attempts to punish the Conference for doing the right thing,” he wrote.
