Paxton Fires $200 Million Warning at Big 12 Over Quarterback

The Big 12 Conference and its schools were threatened with $200 million in damages by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) if they move to sanction Texas Tech over the participation of star quarterback Brendan Sorsby this season.

Any sanction against Texas Tech for acting consistent with a court’s injunction that reinstated Sorsby’s eligibility on June 8 would violate state and federal antitrust laws, Paxton said in a letter to Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and board of directors chair Douglas Girod.

Additionally, any sanction that results in a change to Texas Tech’s scheduled games through cancellations would constitute a breach of the Big 12’s contract with the school, Paxton said. Such an action could also unlawfully interfere with the school’s sponsorship arrangements, ticket sale commitments, alumni contributions, and other commercial relationships, the letter said.

In a statement, Yormark said the Big 12 executive board met today and is “taking time with our legal counsel to understand the concerns of the state and will meet again with the full board next week.”

“Sentiment among the Executive Board was no different from what we heard from the ADs earlier this week,” the statement said. “Our discussion with the full board will determine our course of action, and all options remain on the table.”

Paxton’s threat comes after athletic departments in the Big 12 loudly objected to the court order nullified a ban against Sorsby from the NCAA for violating a prohibition on student athletes betting on sports. Sorsby acknowledged placing bets totaling at least $90,000, but argued the ban is excessive because he has an addiction for which he’s sought treatment. The injunction requires him to continue counseling and sidelines Sorsby for Texas Tech’s first two games.

Paxton’s letter, written by the chief of his antitrust division, says it’s come to their attention that the Big 12 is considering invoking a bylaw that allows member schools to vote to sanction another member school.

In a press release, Paxton said his office sent the letter “on behalf of its client.” Texas Tech, like other public universities, is typically represented by Paxton’s office in litigation.

The case is Sorsby v. Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Assoc., Tex. Dist. Ct., No. DC-2026-CV-0791, 6/11/26.