NCAA responds to Charles Bediako ruling, whether it will penalize Alabama basketball
· Yahoo Sports
The NCAA has responded to the ruling on Charles Bediako in his effort to reinstate his college eligibility and continue playing with Alabama basketball.
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Bediako, who first entered the lawsuit against the NCAA on Tuesday, Jan. 20, was denied a temporary injunction by the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on Monday, Feb. 9.
Alabama had Bediako for five games under a temporary restraining order, but now, will no longer be able to play the 23-year-old center who spent three years in the G League.
Here’s what NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement on the matter.
“Common sense won a round today. 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,” Baker said.
“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,” he continued.
Bediako’s return has also raised questions surrounding whether or not the games he competed in will affect Alabama’s status in the NCAA Tournament.
An NCAA official told Jon Rothstein, “The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee will evaluate Alabama for the 2026 NCAA Tournament by the roster that it has available for March Madness.”
Both the TRO issued to Bediako, as well as University of Alabama staff, have maintained that the Crimson Tide will not be penalized for playing him against Tennessee, Missouri, Texas A&M, Florida and Auburn.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: NCAA responds to Charles Bediako ruling, if Alabama basketball will be penalized