Charles Bediako still practicing with Alabama after losing court case
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Alabama center Charles Bediako is still with the Crimson Tide basketball program, even though he can’t play in games.
Head coach Nate Oats said at a press conference on Friday that Bediako is still practicing with Alabama and working toward his degree at the school. Bediako had a preliminary injunction denied earlier this week, cutting short his return to the team.
“He’s practicing with us,” Oats said. “He’s going to class. He wants to get his degree from Alabama.”
Bediako played in 5 games for the Crimson Tide this season, returning to school after several years in the G League. Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order in a suit brought against the NCAA, but an Alabama circuit court judge denied his motion for a preliminary injunction on Monday.
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Daniel F. Pruet ruled that Bediako did not have a “reasonable expectation” he would be allowed to return to college basketball when no other player had been granted eligibility under the same circumstances.
Oats has since defended his decision to bring Bediako back, saying it’s his job to help his players.
“There was an opportunity to help one of our former players out,” Oats said on Tuesday. “He was within his 5-year window. He’s trying to get his degree. Here’s the thing, too. My job as a head coach is to try to do the right thing by our guys. Charles is one of our guys. That was the right thing to do by one of our guys.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
