Coach Monken: QB Sorsby's eligibility issues are a 'slippery slope'

Coach Todd Monken expressed personal concerns about QB Brendan Sorsby's eligibility, calling it a 'slippery slope' for his NFL future.
By Newsroom | American Football, College Sports |

Eligibility Woes Cloud Quarterback Brendan Sorsby's NFL Prospects

Cleveland Browns' first-year head coach, Todd Monken, voiced significant personal reservations regarding the pursuit of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, citing his ongoing off-field eligibility issues as a "slippery slope" regardless of the player's talent. This stance emerged as Sorsby navigates legal avenues for NCAA clearance after the organization denied his reinstatement for the 2026 season.

A judge in Lubbock County, Texas, heard arguments concerning Sorsby's request for an injunction to regain college eligibility. Judge Ken Curry has deferred a ruling, pending the submission of additional documentation, which could influence the player's status in the coming days. Simultaneously, the NFL has yet to comment on Sorsby's eligibility for the supplemental draft, a pathway he has not yet formally applied for.

Monken's expressed opinion is a personal one and does not necessarily represent the Cleveland Browns' general manager, Andrew Berry. The team currently has Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson contending for the starting quarterback position, with Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green also in contention.

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Monken articulated his perspective, stating, "From my end of it, kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that's going to be your franchise quarterback if he's ever eligible to even play in the NFL." He further commented on the player's situation, "He put himself in that situation. I think that’s a slippery slope when you go down that, irrespective of talent, right?"

The core of the eligibility concerns stems from Sorsby's past actions, including allegedly betting thousands of dollars on sporting events, some of which involved games in which he wagered on his own team while a backup at Indiana. The NFL's review of Sorsby's situation, contingent on the outcome of legal efforts for NCAA clearance, will be a critical factor in any potential entry into the supplemental draft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Coach Monken say about QB Brendan Sorsby's eligibility?
Coach Todd Monken called QB Brendan Sorsby's ongoing off-field eligibility issues a 'slippery slope' that could affect his NFL prospects, regardless of his talent.
Q: Why is Brendan Sorsby having eligibility problems?
Sorsby is facing eligibility issues due to allegations of betting on sporting events, including games his own team played, while he was a backup at Indiana.
Q: What is the current status of Sorsby's college eligibility?
The NCAA denied Sorsby's reinstatement for the 2026 season, and a judge in Texas has deferred a ruling on his request for an injunction to regain eligibility.
Q: Will Brendan Sorsby be eligible for the NFL supplemental draft?
The NFL has not commented on Sorsby's eligibility for the supplemental draft, and his potential entry depends on the outcome of his legal efforts for NCAA clearance.