The Brendan Sorsby controversy refuses to fade, with the football world split over whether Texas Tech and the quarterback deserve punishment. Amid the growing debate, NFL insider Tom Pelissero has weighed in to explain whether the league can actually penalize Sorsby.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Pelissero was asked whether he had any insider information about the NFL potentially punishing Brendan Sorsby.

“There hasn't been a supplemental draft since 2019. Why is that? Because nobody loses eligibility anymore. You had COVID, where guys were getting fifth, sixth, and even seventh years. You have NIL, which has essentially eliminated cases where players became ineligible because they accepted money or benefits,” said Pelissero

The NFL insider gave the example of the famous Terrelle Pryor incident, where the NFL chose to enforce an NCAA suspension for five games to prevent the league from being used as a "safe haven" from punishment.

However, Pelissero noted that the incident happened back in 2011 and that the landscape has changed significantly since then.

Interestingly, Tom noted that the NFL did not enforce NCAA disciplinary outcomes in the recent case involving Jim Harbaugh, who was penalized for recruiting violations.

“So if the NFL is not enforcing things that apply to the integrity of the game in the case of Jim Harbaugh, it's tough just if you're looking at this logically to say we're now going to enforce something on Brendan Sorsby,” said Pelissero.

On top of that, there's the collective bargaining agreement, which would prevent the NFL from taking any action against Sorsby.

“In addition to that, you have the collective bargaining agreement, which dictates that the players cannot be suspended under the personal conduct policy for any actions that occurred prior to them becoming NFL players,” Pelissero concluded.\

The NFL's policy also makes it clear that the league still holds disciplinary authority over "covered persons," though the exact scope is governed through player contracts and the collective bargaining agreement.

According to the policy language, covered persons can include players already under contract, rookies once they are drafted, and even certain prospects once negotiations with an NFL team begin.

That said, Sorsby is looking to participate in the supplemental draft this season.

Brendan Sorsby plans to declare for the NFL supplemental draft

Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby is expected to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft this season. According to the reports, the QB is about to withdraw his lawsuit against the NCAA, restoring his eligibility status, clearing the path for his draft entry.

"I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue. As my journey continues, I remain fully committed to and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field,” Sorsby as per CBSsports.

With Sorsby declaring his intention to enter the supplemental draft, discussions about a potential NFL penalty have intensified. However, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, disciplinary action against him may not ultimately follow.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote