NFL refuses to hold supplemental draft for Brendan Sorsby, citing integrity concerns over betting history

Brendan Sorsby’s NFL future won’t begin in 2026, as the league decided not to hold a supplemental draft this year.

Sorsby admitted to a long period of sports betting on college and pro teams, with bets totaling over $90,000. Among those bets were some on Indiana Hoosiers football, which he played for at the time.  

As part of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Players’ Association, it held the right to have a draft in the first place. Thus, league officials felt it would be a distraction to teams to hold the supplemental draft as training camp was set to start later this summer.

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Larry Ferazani, General Counsel of the NFL Management Council, penned a letter to Sorsby explaining the league’s decision.

"The League has not conducted such a draft for several years and, prior to your submission, the League had no plans to do so this year, as no other player has sought entry," Ferazani’s letter read, per multiple outlets. "Your Petition – filed three business days before the deadline, without any supporting information or documentation, and only after abandoning your recent litigation efforts to avoid NCAA sanctions – does not provide a basis for the League to alter those plans. The issues presented by your Petition are too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interest, to permit meaningful review within the timeline presented.

BRENDAN SORSBY ADMITS WAGERING NEARLY $90,000 DURING COLLEGE CAREER AS NCAA FIGHT HEATS UP

Ferazani’s letter continued by saying the "sole reasons" for seeking entry into a supplemental draft was due to being "declared ineligible" by the NCAA after trying all avenues to continue his collegiate career. It also points out how Sorsby’s petition to the league doesn’t address his gambling history.

"Your Petition does not address these matters. Nor does it demonstrate accountability for your conduct or indicate whether, or how, you would adhere to the League’s rules and policies governing the integrity of competition. Instead, even after receiving notice of the NCAA’s decision rescinding your college eligibility in May, you sought to avoid the consequences of that determination through litigation rather than accepting responsibility for your actions, and you pursued entry into the NFL only after abandoning those efforts.

"As Commissioner Goodell has emphasized, participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries with it significant responsibilities, including accountability. By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success. We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft."

Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, told OutKick’s Trey Wallace that the league’s decision is "a violation of the CBA and the law."

"We will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA," Kessler added.

Sorsby had been in the middle of an NCAA investigation tied to his sports betting for months leading up to an eventual split with Texas Tech. He eventually decided to part ways with the program on the same day the Big 12 filed a lawsuit in a Texas federal court where it wished to be provided with power to sanction the Red Raiders for playing Sorsby this season.

Now, as Sorsby’s focus will continue on battling a gambling addiction, he may have to look elsewhere to continue playing. The UFL’s season completed earlier this month, and the Canadian Football League runs from June through November. Sorsby could also take time off and prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft, just as Ferazani’s letter suggests.

OutKick's Trey Wallace contributed to this report. 

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