Charles Bediako’s newest attempt to play for Alabama was denied on Friday. The former Crimson Tide center filed an appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court on Monday, two weeks after a Tuscaloosa County circuit court judge denied Bediako’s motion seeking a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules. The appeal was denied on Friday.
Bediako sought an interim injunctive relief that would have allowed him to play immediately. Judge Daniel Pruet, who ruled on Bediako’s initial injunction request, denied that temporary relief on Tuesday. The next step for Bediako and his representation was to make the same request to the Alabama Supreme Court in search of a different outcome via an emergency motion. It did not come to fruition, likely signaling an end to Bediako’s hopes of returning to the floor for the Crimson Tide this season.
Bediako has remained a student at Alabama and helped with the scout team, per coach Nate Oats. While waiting for the result of his appeal, Bediako played for Team Canada in Puerto Rico on Thursday as part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, No. 17 Alabama will face No. 22 Tennessee on the road on Saturday as it looks to extend its winning streak to eight games.
“We understand that Charles is pursuing an appeal in his case against the NCAA, and ultimately, he must do what he considers to be in his best interest,” the University of Alabama reported in a statement. “The University continues to support Charles as he works toward completing his degree.”
It’s the newest twist in what’s been quite the saga for Bediako, the NCAA and eligibility rules.
Bediako played for Alabama in 2021-22 and 2022-23 before forgoing the rest of his eligibility and entering the NBA Draft pool. Though he did not get drafted, he signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs. He never appeared in an NBA game but did play for the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He also appeared in G League games for the Grand Rapids Gold and the Motor City Cruise on Exhibit 10 contracts.
Charles Bediako ineligible after judge’s ruling: Why 7-footer’s journey from G League back to Alabama is over
Matt Norlander
In late January 2026, Bediako filed suit against the NCAA, requesting “immediate preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.” Because Bediako enrolled in Alabama in 2021, he was — and is still — within his five-year eligibility clock. Tuscaloosa County judge James Roberts granted Beidako a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, paving the way for him to return to the Crimson Tide. After it was later discovered Roberts is an Alabama donor; he recused himself from the case.
Under the order, Bediako played in five games with Alabama from Jan. 24 to Feb. 7, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 77%.
On Feb. 9, Alabama circuit court judge Daniel Pruet denied Bediako’s motion seeking a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules. The aim of the preliminary injunction had been to allow Bediako to play for the rest of the season.
“Common sense won a round today,” NCAA president Charlie Baker reported in a statement. “The court saw this for what it is: 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.
“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.”
Bediako’s return to college basketball after signing multiple NBA contracts had caused significant consternation among NCAA higher-ups, with even SEC commissioner Greg Sankey signing an affidavit against Bediako’s cause.
