Former Texas Tech and Incarnate Word wide receiver Roy Alexander has taken legal action against the NCAA, seeking to overturn a six-game suspension imposed for sports betting violations during his college career.

Alexander filed the lawsuit on Aug. 19 in Bexar County District Court in Texas. The complaint asks the court to issue an injunction that would allow him to return to the field sooner during what is expected to be his final season of eligibility. According to the filing, the NCAA’s punishment is excessive given the nature of the violations.

The case centers on wagers Alexander placed between 2023 and 2025 while he was enrolled at Albany and later at Incarnate Word. Court documents acknowledge that he violated NCAA rules that prohibit student-athletes from betting on sports. However, the lawsuit argues that none of the wagers involved teams he played for and therefore did not affect the integrity of any contests.

The filing states that Alexander made relatively small bets through a wagering application, with most wagers reportedly below $12 and the largest amounting to $80. It also claims that he stopped betting in April 2025 after reading an article discussing the risks associated with gambling on college sports.

According to ESPN, the lawsuit states: “While Roy has taken accountability for his actions, ceasing to stop wagering on his own, the NCAA dealt him a six-game suspension which is wholly unreasonable in light of the conduct.”

Court Challenge Seeks Immediate Relief

Alexander’s legal team is attempting to secure relief before Incarnate Word progresses further into its season. Attorney Desi Martinez confirmed that the NCAA had been served with the lawsuit. As of Thursday afternoon, online court records had not listed any hearings or additional proceedings related to the requested injunction.

Martinez said the purpose of the legal action is “fairness for our client” and that a “talented student-athlete be given the opportunity to play football this season for UIW.”

The court filing also alleges that Texas Tech informed the NCAA about Alexander’s past betting activity only after he transferred back to Incarnate Word in January 2026. Texas Tech declined to comment on the matter.

Alexander began his college football career at Albany, where he played from 2021 through 2023. He transferred to Incarnate Word for the 2024 season before joining Texas Tech. His time with the Red Raiders was limited by a concussion, restricting him to three appearances and three receptions for 31 yards. He later returned to Incarnate Word.

His return carried significant expectations. During his previous stint with the Cardinals in 2024, Alexander established a school record with 100 receptions while totaling 1,108 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

NCAA Defends Existing Betting Rules

The NCAA has indicated it intends to defend the suspension and maintain its position regarding sports wagering violations. In a statement provided to media outlets, the governing body said: “The NCAA’s sports betting rules are clear, as are the reinstatement conditions.”

It added: “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.”

NCAA regulations prohibit student-athletes from participating in sports betting activities. The restrictions also extend to athletics department personnel and university officials who oversee athletic programs, including presidents and chancellors.

Suspension Already Affecting 2026 Season

Although the suspension remains in place, Alexander appeared in Incarnate Word’s season opener on Aug. 29 against Oklahoma Panhandle State. The NCAA permitted his participation because the game was against an NAIA opponent and did not count toward postseason eligibility calculations connected to the suspension. Alexander finished the contest with one reception for four yards as the Cardinals recorded a 76-14 victory.

Incarnate Word has stated that it is not involved in the litigation and will continue to follow NCAA requirements regarding player eligibility.

“The University of the Incarnate Word is aware of the pending legal matter between a student-athlete and the NCAA,” the university said in a statement. “The University is not a party to the lawsuit and does not comment on pending litigation. However, the University complies with NCAA requirements regarding play.”

The Cardinals are scheduled to face Northern Arizona on Sept. 12, with Alexander’s availability remaining dependent on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

The dispute also follows another recent challenge involving a former Texas Tech player. Earlier this year, quarterback Brendan Sorsby sued the NCAA after being ruled ineligible following admissions that he had placed hundreds of sports bets, including wagers on college football, while playing at Indiana and Cincinnati. Sorsby later withdrew the lawsuit and declared for the NFL, though the league ultimately chose not to conduct a supplemental draft.

Alexander now seeks a different outcome, hoping the court will intervene and allow him to spend more of his final collegiate season on the field.