“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” – Proverbs 13:11
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The gambling industry is wreaking havoc on our society, and one segment of our culture where that is clearly being seen is in the sports world. Sports betting has caused scandal after scandal throughout collegiate and professional sports. It also ruins the integrity of games by bringing various forms of corruption and deceit into sports.
Sadly, not only does sports betting bring corruption, but it also brings gambling addictions which destroy people’s lives. Recently, it was announced that one of the biggest names in college football today has entered a gambling addiction program. Texas Tech starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby is taking an “immediate indefinite leave of absence” to enter a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction, according to the university.
The Red Raiders’ prized quarterback is a fifth-year senior who is set to make more than $5 million dollars this year from NIL money, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in college football. It has been reported that Sorsby placed thousands of bets on gambling apps in recent years, starting in 2022, when he bet on Indiana as he was redshirting there as a freshman. Over the last few years, he played for the University of Cincinnati, and during that time, he attended many Cincinnati Reds games where he placed live wagers on balls and strikes.
The NCAA is currently investigating this case, and the FBI could become involved as well to determine Sorsby’s eligibility and future. The investigation is being conducted because the NCAA does not allow college athletes to bet on its sanctioned sports, whether it be collegiate or professional games. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Sorsby’s senior year season and athletic future could be destroyed. All of this because of his addiction to gambling.
Sorby’s story is not a singular case. The statistics of growing gambling addiction among young people are devastating, especially among young men. Roughly 10% of young U.S. men now show signs of a gambling problem; more than three times the general population rate. It would be wise for sports associations at every level to start distancing themselves from all forms of sports gambling. Time and time again, sports betting is causing massive corrupt scandals and causing great damage to people’s lives.
LET US PRAY…
Father, help our nation to wake up to the dangers that accompany the various forms of betting and gambling. Lord, empower sports associations at every level to distance themselves from all forms of gambling, as it always brings corruption and devastation to people’s lives. Father, please use this time in Brendan Sorsby’s life to heal him from gambling addiction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.