Charles Bediako Appeals NCAA Eligibility Decision to Alabama Supreme Court

Tuscaloosa, AL – Former Alabama center Charles Bediako is continuing his fight for eligibility with the Crimson Tide, appealing a recent ruling to the Alabama Supreme Court. The appeal, filed Monday, seeks to overturn a decision that currently prevents him from playing for Alabama for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Ongoing Legal Battle

Bediako is also requesting “interim injunctive relief” through the Tuscaloosa circuit court, which would allow him to continue playing while the Alabama Supreme Court reviews his case. His attorney, David Holt, explained to ESPN that the request aims to secure an injunction while the court considers their argument against the circuit court’s previous order.^{CBS Sports}

This latest move comes two weeks after a Tuscaloosa County circuit court judge denied Bediako’s motion for a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules.^{CBS Sports} Bediako initially secured a temporary restraining order in January, allowing him to play in five games for Alabama, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 77% from the field.^{AP News}

Background and Previous Ruling

Bediako initially played for Alabama from 2022 to 2023 before pursuing a professional career. He signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and played in the G League for the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold, and Motor City Cruise.^{CBS Sports} He then sought to return to collegiate action, arguing he remained within his five-year eligibility window.

However, Alabama circuit court judge Daniel Pruet denied his motion for a preliminary injunction on February 9th, effectively ending his immediate return to the court. The NCAA celebrated the ruling, with President Charlie Baker stating it was “an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students.”^{Sports Illustrated}

Implications and Timeline

With the regular season concluding on March 7th, Bediako’s legal team argues that his appeal will become moot without immediate relief.^{CBS Sports} Alabama’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday against Mississippi State.^{CBS Sports}

The case has drawn significant attention within college basketball, with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey even filing an affidavit against Bediako’s cause.^{CBS Sports}