The University of Cincinnati is suing former quarterback Brendan Sorsby, claiming he violated his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal by transferring to Texas Tech last month without paying a $1 million buyout fee.
In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Cincinnati Athletics stated Sorsby agreed to stay for two seasons under his NIL agreement and to pay a substantial fee if he left early. "We expect student-athletes and their representatives to do the same," the university said in a statement.
Sorsby, who passed for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, announced his entry into the transfer portal in December. He subsequently committed to Texas Tech.
Sorsby's agent, Ron Slavin, intends to fight the lawsuit, asserting that Sorsby was paid $875,800 but generated millions in value for the program. Slavin called the university's claim an "unlawful penalty."
This legal action occurs amidst ongoing disputes over NIL deals and transfer buyouts in college athletics, with other universities also pursuing legal action against former players.