NCAA Pushes Back After Judge Rules Charles Bediako Can Compete For Alabama Basketball

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order requiring the NCAA to allow former Crimson Tide basketball standout Charles Bediako to compete immediately for the University of Alabama.

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The ruling drew sharp criticism from the national governing body of college athletics after Bediako went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft before joining the San Antonio Spurs for the 2023 NBA Summer League and signing with the team the following October.

After an injury saw him waived by San Antonio, he joined the Orlando Magic for the 2024 NBA Summer League and went on to sign with the Denver Nuggets. This stint also saw him waived before joining the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League.

Circuit Judge James H. Roberts Jr. signed the order restraining the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility bylaws in a way that would prevent Bediako from competing in Division I athletics while his case proceeds. The order allows Bediako to participate in all team activities, including games, while the matter is reviewed further by the court.

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

A hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Jan. 27 in Judge Roberts’ courtroom at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect for up to 10 days or until that hearing takes place, whichever occurs first.

In a statement responding to the ruling, the NCAA strongly criticized the decision and warned of broader consequences for college athletics .

“These attempts to sidestep NCAA rules and recruit individuals who have finished their time in college or signed NBA contracts are taking away opportunities from high school students,” the NCAA said. “A judge ordering the NCAA let a former NBA player take the court Saturday against actual college student-athletes is exactly why Congress must step in and empower college sports to enforce our eligibility rules.”

The NCAA has increasingly argued that court challenges to its eligibility framework undermine competitive balance and threaten its ability to regulate college athletics nationwide.

The University of Alabama expressed support for Bediako as the legal process continues.

“The University of Alabama supports Charles and his ongoing efforts to be reinstated for competition while he works to complete his degree,” the university said in a statement Wednesday.

Alabama is set to return to action Saturday again Tennessee in Coleman Coliseum.

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