SouthernWorldwide.com – The National Football League (NFL) has decided against holding a supplemental draft for Brendan Sorsby, citing concerns over the integrity of the game and his history with sports betting.
Sorsby has admitted to a prolonged period of engaging in sports betting on both college and professional teams, with his wagers reportedly exceeding $90,000. Notably, some of these bets were placed on games involving the Indiana Hoosiers, the very team he was playing for at the time.
The NFL’s ability to conduct a supplemental draft is stipulated within the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Players’ Association. League officials determined that holding such a draft, especially with training camps slated to commence later in the summer, would create an unwelcome distraction for teams.
Larry Ferazani, General Counsel of the NFL Management Council, communicated the league’s decision to Sorsby in a formal letter. This letter explained that the NFL had not held a supplemental draft for several years and had no intention of doing so this year prior to Sorsby’s request, as no other player had sought entry.
Ferazani’s letter further stated that Sorsby’s petition, filed just three business days before the deadline and lacking supporting documentation, did not provide sufficient grounds for the league to alter its established plans. The issues raised by Sorsby’s petition were deemed too significant and too closely linked to the NFL’s core integrity interests to allow for a meaningful review within the presented timeframe.
The letter also highlighted that Sorsby’s sole motivation for seeking entry into a supplemental draft appeared to be his declaration of ineligibility by the NCAA, after exhausting all avenues to continue his collegiate career. It was also pointed out that Sorsby’s petition failed to adequately address his gambling history.
Furthermore, the NFL’s correspondence emphasized that Sorsby’s petition did not demonstrate accountability for his actions or provide assurance on how he would adhere to the league’s rules and policies concerning the integrity of competition. The letter noted that even after being notified of the NCAA’s decision to revoke his college eligibility in May, Sorsby initially pursued litigation to avoid the consequences rather than accepting responsibility.
Commissioner Goodell’s stance, as reiterated in the letter, is that participation in the NFL is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities, including accountability. While acknowledging Sorsby’s talent and potential, the league encouraged him to focus on preparing for potential entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.
In response to the NFL’s decision, Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, informed OutKick’s Trey Wallace that the league’s action constitutes a violation of the collective bargaining agreement and the law. Kessler indicated that they would immediately pursue this matter with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Sorsby had been under NCAA investigation for months regarding his sports betting activities, which preceded his eventual departure from Texas Tech. He chose to part ways with the program on the same day the Big 12 conference filed a lawsuit in a Texas federal court, seeking the authority to sanction the Red Raiders for allowing Sorsby to play during the season.
As Sorsby continues to address his gambling addiction, he may need to explore alternative avenues to continue his playing career. The UFL season has recently concluded, and the Canadian Football League’s season runs from June through November. Alternatively, Sorsby could take time off to focus on his recovery and prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft, as suggested in Ferazani’s letter.
