Judge Denies Charles Bediako's Request For Preliminary Injunction

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet on Monday denied Charles Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to continue playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball amid his legal challenge to the NCAA’s eligibility ruling.

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As Patch previously reported, the case centers on Bediako’s eligibility to compete for Alabama after the NCAA challenged his eligibility status. The latest hearing also comes after Circuit Court Judge James Roberts, who initially presided over the case, opted to recuse himself after news surfaced that he had donated money to the University of Alabama athletic department.

NCAA President Charlie Baker referred to the decision as a win for "common sense," saying the court saw the case as an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students.

"College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of a teenager’s dream," Baker said. "While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn't fix the national mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability.”

The University of Alabama expressed in a statement Monday evening that it was disappointed in today’s court ruling.

"While we understand the concern around competitive and developmental implications of former professional athletes participating in college, it is important to acknowledge reality," UA's statement reads. "The NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 current men’s basketball players with prior professional experience in the G League or overseas. Granting eligibility to some former professionals, and not to others, is what creates the havoc we are currently in and why consistency from decision-makers is so desperately needed."

In an order issued Monday, Pruet refused to grant the relief sought by Bediako, effectively ending the seven-footer’s ability to compete for the Crimson Tide while the underlying lawsuit proceeds.

The decision comes after a hearing on Feb. 6 in which attorneys for both sides presented arguments on whether a temporary court order was warranted.

Bediako filed suit against the NCAA after the governing body ruled him ineligible to return to college basketball following two years in the NBA G League.

Bediako sought a preliminary injunction on the grounds that without court intervention he would suffer irreparable harm, including loss of playing time, diminished name, image and likeness opportunities, and obstacles to completing his college degree.

At the hearing last week, Bediako’s attorney, David Holt, argued that the NCAA’s eligibility determination was arbitrary and inconsistent with how other former professionals have been treated, noting that many Division I teams include players with professional experience.

Holt also emphasized potential financial harms tied to NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities that depend on continued on-court participation.

Representing the NCAA, counsel countered that the lawsuit centers on financial issues rather than academic integrity and warned that granting an injunction could open the door to similar challenges nationwide.

Attorneys for the NCAA argued that Bediako’s combination of two years at Alabama and multiple seasons in the G League exhausted his collegiate eligibility under current rules.

In denying the injunction, Pruet ruled that Bediako had not met the strict legal criteria required to justify the interim relief, leaving the NCAA’s eligibility decision intact as the broader lawsuit continues.

The judge’s order also allows the NCAA to enforce its determination while the case moves forward through the courts.

Bediako’s temporary restraining order, previously issued by another judge, had permitted him to play while the case was pending and set to expire on Tuesday.

With the injunction denied, that status will lapse, and he is no longer eligible to compete for the Crimson Tide this season, although head coach Nate Oats said the university will continue to support him academically by keeping him on scholarship.

Attorneys for Bediako may pursue an appeal of Monday’s ruling but no date has been set for the next major hearing in the case.

The Crimson Tide is set to return to action on Wednesday at Ole Miss, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.

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