Alabama center Charles Bediako is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday wherein a judge will determine whether the NCAA may enforce its eligibility rules against him. Ahead of what could be a groundbreaking determination in Circuit Court, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey signed an affidavit asking judge Daniel Pruet to deny Bediako additional eligibility.It is a significant move from Sankey, one of the most powerful voices in college athletics, as he seeks legal help in preventing one of his conference members from rostering a former professional player.”I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case,” Sankey said in the affidavit obtained by CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, “which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes.”
Charles Bediako returns to Alabama: Judge who is Crimson Tide booster recused from case
David Cobb
Bediako, 23, went undrafted two years ago after starting on an Alabama team that earned a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He had two years of eligibility remaining but declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. After signing a professional contract — including a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs — and appearing in multiple G League games, he is back with the Crimson Tide as a result of a temporary restraining order against the NCAA’s eligibility rules. The 7-footer has appeared in four games and made two starts for Alabama over the last two weeks, averaging 9.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.The temporary restraining order expires on Feb. 18, but if Bediako is granted a preliminary injunction at Friday’s hearing, he could continue to play for the Crimson Tide deeper into the regular season and perhaps into the NCAA Tournament.
Bediako’s return to college basketball rubbed many across college basketball the wrong way, including Florida coach Todd Golden, who has been among the most vocal opponents of…
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2026-02-05 23:10:58
