Brendan Sorsby ruled eligible despite gambling

[masterfins]

I really don't care for the NCAA, but this ruling is bad for all of sports.

[Sibster]

So the Big 12 filled suit against Texas Tech for the Brendan Sorsby situation saying they would ban them from the championship game and sanction them heavily if he played.  In response, Texas Tech and Sorsby agreed to part ways.  Sorsby will file paperwork to enter the supplemental draft.

Now, if you're the Dolphins, you have to take a long look at this kid.  He's got the talent and the tools to play in this league.   The question is, what pick next year would you be willing to give up for him, gambling aside?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole.  While it is possible he might turn his life around, I wouldn't bet on it. 

[Sibster]

Wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole.  While it is possible he might turn his life around, I wouldn't bet on it.  

You can bet on this.  The team that gets him will put language in his contract saying he cannot gamble online or over the phone and cannot enter a gaming establishment.   And the team security force will watch him like a hawk

[CF DolFan]

Now, if you're the Dolphins, you have to take a long look at this kid.  He's got the talent and the tools to play in this league.   The question is, what pick next year would you be willing to give up for him, gambling aside?

I don't think so. The risk is not worth the reward for us right now. It's a new regime and they seem to be doing things correctly. It's going to be a bumpy season and there is absolutely no reason to add drama and distraction to this team. I mean ... we just got rid of Tyreek and it feels so good to not have drama.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

You can bet on this.  The team that gets him will put language in his contract saying he cannot gamble online or over the phone and cannot enter a gaming establishment.   And the team security force will watch him like a hawk

*IF* a team takes him they will put the standard language of a rookie contract with no extra clauses or conditions as to do otherwise would be a violation of the CBA.

[masterfins]

I could see the Browns drafting him. lol

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Next question: will Sorsby start the season suspended?  Yes, the league can suspended him.  See Pryor example. 

[Sibster]

*IF* a team takes him they will put the standard language of a rookie contract with no extra clauses or conditions as to do otherwise would be a violation of the CBA.

Are you sure that's a CBA violation?  Teams have put clauses in players contracts before.   See Lawrence Phillips example

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Are you sure that's a CBA violation?  Teams have put clauses in players contracts before.   See Lawrence Phillips example

Phillips was drafted before the rookie pay scale went into effect. 

[Sibster]

Phillips was drafted before the rookie pay scale went into effect.  

I checked into this.   Turns out teams can add clauses to contracts for drinking but not for gambling.   Hopefully that will change with the next round of CBA negotiations because if I'm paying a guy millions and I know he's had problems with gambling in the past, I wouldn't want him in a casino, racetrack, OTB parlor or the like.

That being said, I'm hearing that several teams are willing to part with a day two pick to get this guy.   Let's see what happens come supplemental draft day.

[Sibster]

Next question: will Sorsby start the season suspended?  Yes, the league can suspended him.  See Pryor example. 

Turns out it's gonna be even worse.   The NFL opted not to hold a supplemental draft this year.   That means Sorsby has to sit out.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Turns out it's gonna be even worse.   The NFL opted not to hold a supplemental draft this year.   That means Sorsby has to sit out.

Which is what the NCAA originally ruled. 

[Sibster]

Which is what the NCAA originally ruled.  

The NFL sent a clear message.   Doing something to compromise the integrity of the game can and will have severe repercussions.  

[CF DolFan]

The league sent a letter to Sorsby and all 32 NFL teams explaining why it refused to hold a 2026 supplemental draft for him.

Timing & Evidence: The league noted that the petition was filed just three business days before the deadline without any supporting materials. The NFL argued this gave them too short a window to meaningfully review his situation.
Integrity Concerns: The NFL stated they did not have the complete record of the NCAA's investigation into Sorsby's gambling. They noted he had reportedly engaged in "repeated and significant violations," including placing wagers on his own team.
Lack of Accountability: The letter emphasized that the petition did not demonstrate accountability for his conduct or show how he would adhere to the league's rules regarding the integrity of competition.