Judge Blocks Charles Bediako’s Return to Alabama Basketball in Landmark NCAA Eligibility Case
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A federal judge on Monday denied an injunction sought by Charles Bediako, a former NBA Draft prospect, that would have allowed him to continue playing basketball for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide after his return to college following a professional stint. The ruling effectively ends Bediako’s season after just five games and could set a significant precedent in NCAA eligibility disputes.
Bediako, who declared for the 2023 NBA Draft before returning to Alabama, challenged the NCAA’s decision to bar him from competing. His legal team argued that he should be permitted to resume his collegiate career despite having previously gone pro. However, the court sided with the NCAA, reinforcing the association’s longstanding rules regarding amateurism and eligibility.
“Common sense won a round today,” said NCAA president Charlie Baker in a statement reported by Yahoo Sports. “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.”
The ruling has drawn attention nationwide, as it touches on the complex intersection of college athletics, professional aspirations, and eligibility rules. The NCAA has faced increasing pressure to clarify and enforce its policies amid a growing number of athletes navigating between collegiate and professional ranks.
Legal experts note that this decision could influence future cases involving athletes who attempt to return to college sports after brief professional careers. The NCAA’s stance, supported by the court, underscores its commitment to preserving the amateur status of college athletes.
Alabama and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) expressed strong opposition to the court’s ruling, emphasizing the potential disruption to team dynamics and recruitment. The Crimson Tide had welcomed Bediako back as a key player, and his abrupt ineligibility leaves a gap in their roster.
The NCAA president also called on Congress to intervene, highlighting the patchwork of state laws that complicate the governance of college sports. “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,” Baker added.
This case follows a broader national conversation about the rights and protections of student-athletes, including debates over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and transfer rules. The NCAA’s efforts to maintain clear eligibility standards come amid evolving legal and legislative challenges.
For more information on NCAA regulations and eligibility rulings, visit the NCAA official website. Updates on this case and related collegiate sports news can be found at AL.com and U.S. Department of Justice. The ruling also highlights ongoing discussions in Congress about federal oversight of college athletics, detailed at Congress.gov.
As the 2025-26 college basketball season progresses, Alabama will need to adjust its lineup without Bediako, while the NCAA braces for potential ripple effects from this landmark decision.
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