Sorsby gambling addiction casts light on issue that could affect thousands of college athletes
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling addiction highlights widespread, underreported problem gambling among male college athletes amid rising sports betting and financial incentives.Summary
Since the U.S. Supreme Court enabled legal sports gambling nationwide, college sports have faced mounting scandals involving coaches, players, and associates, alongside debates on whether athletes may bet on pro or college sports. The case of Brendan Sorsby, a Texas Tech quarterback who stepped away to seek treatment for gambling addiction, has drawn attention to estimates that thousands of male college athletes engage in compulsive gambling. NCAA surveys show significant shares of male athletes have placed sports bets, with mobile platforms being the dominant channel and college football among the most popular sports wagered on. Experts note that college-aged male athletes fit high-risk profiles for problem gambling because of competitiveness, low risk aversion, and exposure to large earnings from name, image, and likeness deals and revenue sharing. Fear of eligibility loss discourages disclosure, and limited confidential support options exist, with NCAA rules requiring athletic department staff to report gambling activity. Programs such as East Carolina’s “Betting Blueprint” aim to educate students and athletes on addiction risks and healthy choices, while analysts urge the NCAA to balance integrity enforcement with robust resources for athletes who need help.
(Source：WTOP)