Bediako had signed several NBA development contracts since going undrafted in 2023. He played two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and helped the Crimson Tide reach the NCAA Tournament twice.
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James H. Roberts Jr. of Tuscaloosa Circuit Court granted Bediako a temporary restraining order and said he is “immediately eligible” to participate in all team activities. Roberts also ruled that the NCAA is “prohibited from threatening, imposing, attempting to impose, suggesting or implying penalties or sanctions” against Bediako, the Crimson Tide or their coaches and players.
“These attempts to circumvent NCAA rules and recruit individuals who have completed their time in college or signed NBA contracts are taking away opportunities for high school students,” the NCAA said in response. “A judge ordering the NCAA to allow a former NBA player to appear Saturday against real college student-athletes is exactly why Congress must step in and empower college sports to enforce our eligibility rules.”
The temporary order is valid for 10 days. A full hearing on Bediako’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Tuesday.
Alabama hosts Tennessee on Saturday. Bediako is unlikely to play, but his case is worth watching as the NCAA navigates eligibility rules that are constantly being questioned amid the ever-changing landscape of college sports.
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“The University of Alabama supports Charles and his continued efforts to be reinstated in competition as he works to complete his degree,” the school said in a statement.
Bediako signed a two-way NBA contract with San Antonio in 2023. Although he has never played in an NBA game, he has participated in developmental leagues with the Spurs, Orlando, Denver and Detroit.
Bediako sued the NCAA earlier this week after the sanctioning body denied Alabama’s appeal to allow him to return to college basketball.
His case comes after the NCAA exonerated international players with professional experience and other players who were in the NBA’s developmental G League.
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In his initial complaint against the NCAA, Bediako cited the eligibility of Baylor center James Nnaji, who was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft and was cleared to return to college basketball in December. Nnaji played in the NBA Summer League and spent several years with FC Barcelona of the EuroLeague.
Bediako’s initial complaint stated that the NCAA has been biased toward international players with professional experience who have been cleared to play college basketball in recent years.
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