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Auburn Coach Criticizes Alabama's Signing of Ineligible Player
Steven Pearl says bringing back Charles Bediako is a 'lose-lose situation' for Alabama
Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:39am
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Auburn head coach Steven Pearl has criticized Alabama's decision to bring back Charles Bediako, who was previously ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to his entry into the 2023 NBA Draft. Pearl said it's a 'lose-lose situation' for Alabama, as they will face criticism whether they win or lose with Bediako on the team. He acknowledged that coaches have to work within the rules, or lack thereof, set by the NCAA to improve their teams.
Why it matters
This situation highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules and the ability of coaches to find 'gray areas' to bring in players who may not technically be eligible. It raises questions about the fairness of the system and the lengths teams will go to gain a competitive advantage.
The details
The NCAA previously ruled the 23-year-old Bediako ineligible due to his entrance in the 2023 NBA Draft and the two-way NBA contract he signed with the San Antonio Spurs after going undrafted. However, a judge has extended a temporary restraining order that allows Bediako to play while he sues the NCAA over its eligibility rules. Pearl said Alabama may be bringing Bediako back to address depth issues on their front line, even though it could be seen as an unfair advantage.
- On January 20, a judge first granted a temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to play.
- On January 28, the judge extended the temporary restraining order for an additional 10 days.
The players
Steven Pearl
The head coach of the Auburn basketball team, who has been critical of Alabama's decision to bring back Charles Bediako.
Charles Bediako
A 23-year-old basketball player who was previously ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to his entry into the 2023 NBA Draft and signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Nate Oats
The head coach of the Alabama basketball team, who has decided to bring back Bediako despite the NCAA's initial ruling of ineligibility.
James Roberts
The judge who has extended the temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to play while he sues the NCAA over its eligibility rules.
What they’re saying
“It's a lose-lose situation.”
— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach
“You know, our job as coaches is to play within the rules or lack thereof that have been set by the NCAA, and what they can and can enforce. And you know, what we do is about trying to find a gray area sometimes, and they found a gray area where they could find a way to get a guy, that was there a couple years ago, reinstated.”
— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on February 7 whether to grant a preliminary injunction that would allow Bediako to continue playing while the lawsuit against the NCAA proceeds.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between coaches, the NCAA, and the courts over eligibility rules. It raises questions about the fairness of the system and the lengths teams will go to gain a competitive advantage, even if it means bringing back a player who was previously ruled ineligible.
