Auburn Fans Taunt Alabama Star Center Over NBA G League Stint

Bediako heard the chants early and often from the hostile Auburn crowd in his first game back on The Plains.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:55pm

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In a heated rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn, the Auburn student section unleashed a ruthless chant targeting Alabama center Charles Bediako, who controversially returned to college basketball this season after a stint in the NBA G League. As Bediako stepped up to the free throw line, the Auburn fans chanted "G League dropout" at the Crimson Tide big man.

Why it matters

The chant from the Auburn fans highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules and whether players should be allowed to leave college for professional opportunities before returning. Bediako's decision to return to Alabama after his G League stint has prompted continued scrutiny and criticism from rival fan bases.

The details

Alabama picked up a critical 96-92 conference road win over Auburn on Saturday. Bediako scored 12 points and grabbed 3 rebounds off the bench for the Crimson Tide. As he stepped up to the free throw line, the Auburn student section unleashed a ruthless chant, calling him a "G League dropout" in reference to his decision to leave college for the G League before returning to Alabama this season.

  • The game took place on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Charles Bediako

The Alabama center who controversially returned to college basketball this season after a stint in the NBA G League.

Labaron Philon Jr.

The Alabama guard who scored 25 points to lead the Crimson Tide to the road victory over Auburn.

Auburn University

The rival school of Alabama, whose student section targeted Bediako with a chant during the game.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The college basketball team that picked up a critical conference road win over Auburn, improving to 16-7 overall and 6-4 in SEC play.

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What they’re saying

“G League dropout”

— Auburn Students

What’s next

The debate over NCAA eligibility rules and whether players should be allowed to leave for professional opportunities before returning is likely to continue, with Bediako's case serving as a high-profile example.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense rivalry between Alabama and Auburn, as well as the ongoing scrutiny faced by players who leave college for professional opportunities before returning to the NCAA. It underscores the complex issues surrounding NCAA eligibility rules and the evolving landscape of college basketball.