​Judge Extends Order Allowing Charles Bediako To Play For Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge has extended a temporary restraining order allowing University of Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako to continue competing while his legal challenge against the NCAA moves forward.

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In a filing on Monday, Circuit Court Judge James H. Roberts Jr. extended the temporary restraining order for 10 additional days due to weather-related travel issues affecting the NCAA’s legal counsel.

The initial temporary restraining order stems from a lawsuit filed by Bediako against the NCAA, challenging the organization’s application of eligibility rules after his time playing professional basketball.

The judge’s ruling also bars the NCAA from threatening or imposing penalties on Bediako, the University of Alabama, or its coaches and student-athletes as a result of his participation.

According to Monday's filing, the court held a virtual status conference at the request of the parties after Taylor Askew, an attorney for the NCAA based in Tennessee, was unable to attend a previously scheduled hearing because of weather conditions.

Attorneys David Holt and Charles Malone appeared on behalf of Bediako, while Askew and Cason Kirby represented the NCAA.

Following arguments from both sides, the NCAA agreed that good cause existed to extend the restraining order, which was set to expire, due to counsel’s unavailability.

Judge Roberts ruled the order would be extended 10 days from its original expiration date without objection.

The court also continued the hearing on Bediako’s petition for a preliminary injunction, which was originally set for Tuesday, stating that it will be rescheduled at a later date by separate order.

As Patch previously reported, the case centers on Bediako’s eligibility to compete for Alabama after the NCAA challenged his eligibility status.

Earlier this month, Judge Roberts issued the original temporary restraining order preventing the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility ruling, allowing Bediako to remain on the court while the legal dispute continues.

The NCAA has pushed back against the ruling, arguing that the court should not interfere with its eligibility determinations, while Bediako’s legal team maintains that the enforcement action would cause irreparable harm.

Alabama men's basketball will return to action Tuesday night against Missouri in Coleman Coliseum.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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