The NCAA has officially closed its inquiry into the University of Cincinnati Athletics concerning former Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby, with no penalties imposed on the university. The investigation centered around allegations of gambling by Sorsby during his time at Cincinnati, but the findings revealed that the violations were limited to the athlete himself.
The inquiry was first reported on July 8, coinciding with Cincinnati Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield and his players' attendance at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas. When asked about the investigation, Satterfield refrained from commenting publicly, maintaining the university's focus on the upcoming season.
According to a statement from Zach Stipe, the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications at UC, the NCAA enforcement staff concluded their investigation earlier this summer. They determined that Sorsby had committed a Level III violation, which is categorized as isolated and limited in nature. Importantly, the penalties associated with this violation apply solely to the student-athlete and do not extend to the institution, coaches, or other players.
The inquiry began following reports of prohibited betting activities involving Sorsby. The investigation revealed that in August 2024, Sorsby attempted to access the ProhiBet app on his phone, which was linked to a prediction market. However, UC compliance officials found that he was denied access to the app and did not engage in any gambling activities. As part of the university's compliance measures, Sorsby was assigned educational tasks regarding the implications of gambling.
In a related statement, Satterfield emphasized the importance of discussing the negative aspects of gambling within the program, highlighting the university's commitment to maintaining integrity in athletics.
Brendan Sorsby, who played two seasons with the Bearcats, transferred to Texas Tech on January 4 after a mixed performance record of 5-7 and 7-5. Following his transfer, he participated in Texas Tech's spring game but faced challenges related to gambling addiction, which led him to enter a treatment facility in Arizona. The NCAA initially ruled him ineligible, but a Texas judge subsequently allowed him to play, imposing a two-game suspension.
Despite the ruling, Texas Tech faced potential sanctions from the Big 12, which ultimately led to Sorsby's ineligibility with the Red Raiders. As the situation unfolded, the NCAA's inquiry into Cincinnati coincided with the Bearcats' scheduled appearance at the Big 12 media gathering.
The Cincinnati Bearcats are set to kick off their season on September 5 against Boston College, with a highly anticipated homecoming game against Texas Tech scheduled for October 24 at Nippert Stadium. This matchup could have taken on added significance had Sorsby returned to the field as the quarterback. The game will also serve as a backdrop for the induction of several UC athletic legends into the James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Fame, adding to the event's importance.
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