NCAA hits back after judge grants Alabama’s Charles Bediako eligibility
By Mark Kern
Published:
The NCAA has been in a battle for a while when it comes to player eligibility, but it has been taken to another level recently when it comes to college basketball.
First, James Nnaji was cleared to sign with Baylor despite being drafted No. 31 by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. On Wednesday, former Alabama player Charles Bediako was given a temporary restraining order, granting him immediate eligibility to play.
It didn’t take long for the NCAA to respond, and they did so with a scathing statement, which was first delivered to AL.com and later posted on social media.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Bediako played 2 seasons at Alabama in 2022 and 2023, and he finished with averages of 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but was not selected. He then signed a 2-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs, but he has not played in an NBA game.
Earlier in the week, Bediako sued the NCAA to become eligible, and the judge granted him the TRO. According to AL.com reporter Nick Kelly, a preliminary injunction is set for Jan. 27. If that injunction is granted, Bediako would remain eligible to compete for the Tide.
