The path from a devastating collegiate suspension to the NFL is already a narrow tightrope, but Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken may have just cut the cord entirely for Brendan Sorsby.
Todd Monken Shuts Down Browns’ Interest in Brendan Sorsby
When asked about the Browns’ potential interest in selecting the embattled Texas Tech quarterback in the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft, Monken didn’t just lean toward caution; he slammed the door shut.
“I like the quarterbacks we have,” Monken stated firmly on Monday to reporters. “I think that’s a slippery slope to go down that road. From my end of it, kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that that’s going to be your franchise quarterback if he’s ever eligible to play in the NFL.”
Browns coach Todd Monken was asked about Cleveland’s possible interest in the supplemental draft in QB Brendan Sorsby, who is seeking an injunction to play college football after being ruled ineligible because of gambling.
“I like the quarterbacks we have … I think that’s a… pic.twitter.com/uDxXqOQZms
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) June 1, 2026
Monken’s blunt appraisal is a reality check for a player whose on-field resume screams first-round talent but whose off-field baggage has become a radioactive hazard for professional front offices.
Sorsby has filed for an injunction, and on Monday, both parties argued their case. Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, lead counsel on behalf of Sorsby, argued that the NCAA should be required to support, not punish, Sorsby.
He argued that Sorsby was never motivated by financial gain in his gambling and never sought to alter or compromise the outcome of a game. In addition, Kessler stated that not allowing the quarterback to play would hurt his mental health and impede the progress of his recovery.
Meanwhile, NCAA lead attorney Taylor Askew questioned how being allowed to play again in college would help Sorsby’s mental health, considering it would put him back into the situation that triggered his behavior. Askew also noted that Sorsby would have been ruled ineligible long ago had his gambling been known in the past.
While the hearing concluded without an immediate ruling, Kessler requested a decision by June 15. If it goes against Sorsby, he will declare for the supplemental draft. However, the Browns won’t be in contention to pick him now.
For Sorsby, the tragedy lies in the timing. Had he bypassed the court battles and retained clean eligibility, his physical tools would have made him a coveted NFL commodity. Instead, Monken’s comments telegraph a league-wide hesitancy.
