Alabama Supreme Court Blocks Charles Bediako’s Return to College Basketball
In a recent development, the Alabama Supreme Court has turned down a plea by former professional basketball player Charles Bediako to resume playing for the University of Alabama’s basketball team amid his ongoing eligibility dispute with the NCAA.
The decision, rendered on Friday, denied Bediako’s request for an interim injunction, which would have allowed him to participate in games with the Crimson Tide as he appeals the NCAA’s decision. Bediako argued for an expedited ruling due to the impending conclusion of the regular season and upcoming postseason tournaments.
Attempts to reach Bediako’s attorney for comments after business hours on Friday were unsuccessful.
Earlier this week, Bediako filed an appeal against Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet’s verdict, which halted his temporary eligibility to play for the university. The 7-foot center from Canada, who played with Alabama for two seasons from 2021 to 2023, had initially joined the NBA G League but was not drafted in 2023. During his college tenure, Bediako averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, contributing to the Crimson Tide’s NCAA Tournament appearances.
Bediako’s legal team contends that he remains within his five-year college eligibility period and filed a lawsuit against the NCAA following its refusal to reinstate his collegiate status. However, NCAA President Charlie Baker and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have opposed his return.
Initially, Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order by a judge who later recused himself from the proceedings, allowing him to play in five games. However, on February 9, Judge Pruet ruled against Bediako’s appeal for injunctive relief, indicating that he “failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks.”
Aside from his college career, Bediako has been active internationally, recently playing for Canada in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, including a victory over Puerto Rico.
With Alabama’s regular season concluding on March 7 and the SEC men’s basketball tournament slated for mid-March, followed by the NCAA Tournament from March 17-April 6, the timing of Bediako’s appeal remains critical.
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