The second period of Charles Bediako’s involvement with the Alabama team has concluded.
On Monday, a judge in Tuscaloosa rejected Bediako’s request for a provisional order that would have permitted him to continue competing for the Crimson Tide, as reported by Nick Kelly of AL.com. Consequently, his current season has ended.
“Today, sound judgment prevailed,” declared NCAA president Charlie Baker in a public statement. “The judiciary recognized this situation for what it truly represents: an effort by seasoned athletes to transition back to collegiate sports, thereby displacing the upcoming cohort of learners. University athletics are intended for students, not for individuals who previously pursued professional careers and now wish to reverse course, potentially jeopardizing the aspirations of younger talents. While we appreciate the court’s decision to affirm the regulations desired by our constituents, a single victory will not resolve the widespread complications arising from state legislation. It is imperative for Congress to intervene rather than observe passively, helping us establish genuine steadiness.”
Prior to this year, Bediako initiated legal action against the NCAA with the aim of rejoining Alabama, a team he last competed for during the 2022-23 academic year. Bediako declared for the NBA Draft in 2023 but went unchosen. The towering player, standing seven feet tall, spent his recent seasons participating in the G League, and this season he took part in six matches for the Motor City Cruise.
In January, Bediako received a temporary injunction, which enabled him to once again play for the Crimson Tide, subsequent to the NCAA’s initial refusal of the university’s plea to restore his competitive status. His formal comeback occurred days afterward, where he contributed 13 points and three rebounds during a defeat to Tennessee. Bediako participated in a cumulative five contests for Alabama, with his latest appearance being on Saturday in their victory against Auburn. Alabama achieved a 3-2 record in these matches.
However, the decision issued on Monday, following a court session held on Friday, overturned the provisional protective order previously awarded to Bediako. The presiding judge who initially issued this temporary order, James H. Roberts, was recused from the proceedings subsequent to discoveries that he was a current benefactor to Alabama’s sports programs. Consequently, Alabama must now complete the remainder of its season without Bediako.
Bediako is not unique in being a professional athlete seeking to rejoin collegiate basketball. Baylor secured James Nnaji, a former NBA Draft selection, in December, a move that elicited considerable criticism from coaching staff and various other parties. Nnaji marked the inaugural instance of a past draft pick receiving approval to compete at the university level, despite never having participated in an actual NBA game, having been with FC Barcelona since 2020. Two other players from the G League, Thierry Darlan and London Johnson, are slated to join Santa Clara and Louisville, respectively, in the upcoming season.
Although Alabama is a member of the SEC conference, the commissioner of that league opposed the reinstatement of Bediako’s eligibility in a sworn statement submitted the previous week. Commissioner Greg Sankey stated that maintaining NCAA regulations with inconsistency “incites disarray in university athletics.”
“I humbly request that the Court affirm the NCAA’s eligibility stipulations contested in this matter, as these are fundamental to the credibility of collegiate athletics, to the academic objectives they fulfill, and to the prospects they offer both present and prospective student-athletes,” Sankey documented in the four-page sworn declaration.
Bediako will retain his scholarship, as confirmed by Alabama coach Nate Oats last week, even if he is unable to participate further in games.
“Charles has committed no error,” Oats commented in January, as reported by The Athletic. “I will consistently support our players, regardless of external opinions, when they are blameless, and Charles has conducted himself impeccably.”
Alabama possesses a win-loss record of 16-7 heading into Wednesday’s matchup against Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide currently occupy the fifth position in the SEC rankings, with eight regular-season games remaining. Their potential participation in the NCAA tournament will be determined based on the available team roster on selection Sunday.
“We express our dissatisfaction with today’s judicial decision rejecting the injunction for Charles Bediako,” Alabama declared in an official statement. “While we comprehend the apprehensions regarding the competitive and growth-related consequences of ex-professional athletes competing in collegiate settings, it is crucial to recognize the facts.
“The NCAA has already approved eligibility for more than 100 present men’s basketball players who possess previous professional experience, either in the G League or internationally. Providing eligibility to certain past professionals while denying it to others is the source of the current disorder we face, and why uniformity from those making decisions is exceedingly vital.”
