Charles Bediako’s attempt to return to the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team has come to an unfortunate conclusion. A judge in Tuscaloosa denied Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to keep playing for Alabama, as reported on Monday. The decision means that his season is effectively over.
NCAA President Charlie Baker commented on the ruling, emphasizing the importance of maintaining college sports for true student-athletes. “Common sense won a round today,” he stated. Baker highlighted the ruling as a stand against former professionals trying to return to college sports and overshadow the next generation of talent. He called for Congress to take action, advocating for clearer regulations to stabilize the current landscape of college sports.
Bediako had previously entered the 2023 NBA Draft but went unselected. Following this, he spent time in the G League before seeking to return to Alabama, where he had last played in the 2022-23 season. Earlier this year, he filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after the organization denied the university’s request to reinstate his eligibility. A temporary restraining order had briefly allowed him to play, enabling a return where he scored 13 points and grabbed three rebounds in a match against Tennessee. Unfortunately, his last game was a victory against Auburn, marking the end of his season.
This situation is not unique, as other former professional players have attempted to re-enter the college basketball landscape. For example, Baylor signed former NBA Draft pick James Nnaji, stirring controversy among coaches. Nnaji, although drafted, never played in the NBA and had been with FC Barcelona. Similarly, G League players Thierry Darlan and London Johnson are set to join Santa Clara and Louisville respectively in the upcoming season.
Alabama coach Nate Oats expressed support for Bediako, affirming that he will remain on scholarship despite his inability to play. Oats stated in January, “Charles has done nothing wrong,” emphasizing his commitment to supporting players who navigate challenges without fault.
As of now, Alabama holds a record of 16-7 and is positioned fifth in the SEC standings with eight games remaining in the regular season. Despite the disappointment for Bediako and the team, Alabama has the potential to continue its strong performance in the remaining games.