Brendan Sorsby gets more bad news about potential NFLPA help after supplemental draft decision

A previous report mentioned that controversial quarterback prospect Brendan Sorsby may not get much help from the NFL Players Association amid a potential fight to force the league to hold the supplemental draft this summer, largely because the NFLPA may not want to impact "the employment of a current union member."

On Wednesday, Mike Jones of The Athletic explained why Sorsby may not be able to enter the league until the 2027 NFL Draft is held next spring. 

NFLPA doesn't want to deal with Brendan Sorsby "conflicts?"

"According to two union sources," Jones explained, "NFLPA officials would be inclined to join the fight only if they believed the outcome of this decision would set a precedent. However, the NFL and the union have agreed to strict anti-gambling policies, and players found guilty of betting on any NFL games set themselves up for a minimum one-year suspension. Players guilty of betting on their own games draw suspensions of two years at a minimum. Seeking immunity for a future union member guilty of betting on his own team repeatedly could lead to conflicts between NFLPA leaders and current membership."

Sorsby admitted to gambling on Indiana games when he was a non-playing member of that program. He entered a residential treatment program to deal with a gambling addiction earlier this spring, but the NCAA nevertheless deemed him ineligible to play during the upcoming college season. 

The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are reportedly among the teams that would not take a flier on Sorsby if he became available at some point this summer. It's currently unclear how many clubs would be interested in grabbing him if his camp was able to basically force the league into holding a supplemental draft in July. 

Does history show the NFLPA won't assist Brendan Sorsby?

"In 2003," Jones added, "suspended Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett attempted to sue the NFL to gain early entry into the league, claiming that the league’s requirement of three years’ removal from high school for draft eligibility was unlawful. The NFLPA did not provide assistance to Clarett; rather, the union supported the stance held by the league. Clarett’s case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, but he ultimately lost his bid for early entry and was deemed ineligible for the 2005 annual and supplemental drafts."

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is among NFL insiders who think Sorsby's "best play could be to prepare for" the traditional 2027 springtime draft. As of the morning of June 25, Sorsby may not have any other choice but to embrace such a plan.