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Another Former Texas Tech Football Player Sues NCAA Over Sports Betting Suspension

By jili tutorial · September 5, 2026

Another Former Texas Tech Football Player Sues NCAA Over Sports Betting Suspension

A former Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging a six-game suspension imposed for violating the association’s sports betting rules. The case adds to a growing list of legal disputes between athletes and the governing body over its strict betting policies.

Details of the Lawsuit

Roy Alexander, who most recently played for the Texas Tech football program, filed a complaint against the NCAA in Bexar County District Court in Texas on August 19, 2026. The lawsuit, first reported by ESPN, argues that the suspension is excessive given the nature of the violations.

Alexander is represented by attorney Desi Martinez, who ran unsuccessfully for state office earlier this year. In the complaint, Alexander acknowledges that he broke NCAA rules by placing small bets on sports but maintains that the punishment—a six-game suspension—is disproportionate to his actions.

Player’s Background and Betting History

Alexander played only three games for Texas Tech in the 2025 season before transferring to Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Previously, while playing for the Albany Great Danes (from 2023 to 2025), he admits to placing small wagers on college sports. According to the lawsuit, most bets were under $12, with the largest being an $80 wager. Alexander emphasizes that he never bet on games in which he participated, and once he realized he was violating NCAA rules, he stopped betting immediately.

Alexander is seeking an injunction to have the suspension rescinded or delayed so he can play during his final year of eligibility with the Incarnate Word Cardinals. He was eligible to participate in the Cardinals’ season opener on August 29, catching one pass for four yards. That game, against Oklahoma Panhandle State (an NAIA opponent), was not counted toward the suspension by the NCAA.

The NCAA has stated it will defend the suspension in court. In a statement to ESPN, the organization said: “The Association stands by these rules, which were recently upheld and supported by the majority of Division I schools, and we will continue to defend against threats to avoid accountability and undermine these common sense standards.”

Comparison to Previous Case

Alexander’s lawsuit follows a similar case involving Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who sued the NCAA after being deemed permanently ineligible for making thousands of sports bets while playing at Indiana and Cincinnati. Sorsby eventually dropped his lawsuit when Texas Tech indicated he would not be on the team regardless of the outcome.

NCAA Betting Policy Overview

The NCAA Manual prohibits all covered persons—including student-athletes, athletics department staff, and university officials (such as presidents and chancellors)—from participating in any form of sports betting. The ban applies to betting on all sports, including professional leagues.