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Alabama Basketball Star Bediako Fights NCAA Recusal Attempt
Reddit comments on judge's perceived conflicts of interest cited by NCAA
Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:15pm
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Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving the Crimson Tide for the 2023 NBA Draft. The NCAA has filed a motion asking the presiding judge, James 'Jim' Roberts, to recuse himself from the case due to his perceived conflicts of interest, citing unflattering Reddit comments about the judge's ties to the university. Bediako's lawyers have responded that they do not oppose the recusal, but argue the NCAA's reliance on anonymous Reddit users as evidence is misguided.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing role of social media commentary, even from anonymous sources, in influencing high-profile legal proceedings. It also raises questions about the appropriate standards for recusal of judges with ties to universities involved in cases before them.
The details
Bediako left Alabama for the NBA in 2023 and has been playing in the G League for the past three seasons. He is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility. The NCAA filed a motion asking the presiding judge, James 'Jim' Roberts, to recuse himself due to his perceived conflicts of interest, including being listed as a donor to the University of Alabama on the Crimson Tide Foundation's website. In its motion, the NCAA cited unflattering Reddit comments about Roberts' impartiality, including from users 'm5er', 'audirt', and 'WitOfTheIrish'. Bediako's lawyers responded that they do not oppose the recusal, but argued the NCAA's reliance on anonymous Reddit users as evidence was misguided.
- The NCAA filed its motion for recusal on Monday, January 27, 2026.
- Bediako's lawyers filed their response on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
The players
Charles Bediako
An Alabama basketball player who is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving the Crimson Tide for the 2023 NBA Draft.
James 'Jim' Roberts
The Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge presiding over Bediako's case against the NCAA, who is listed as a donor to the University of Alabama on the Crimson Tide Foundation's website.
NCAA
The national collegiate athletic association that is being sued by Bediako and has filed a motion asking for Judge Roberts to recuse himself from the case.
What they’re saying
“Anybody remember the days when all judges had to be lawyers and were bound by some sort of Conflict of Interest thingy?”
— m5er
“Alabama has some of the weakest corruption and ethics laws in the country.”
— audirt
What’s next
Judge Roberts has not yet filed a decision on whether he will recuse himself from the case.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing influence of social media commentary, even from anonymous sources, on high-profile legal proceedings. It also raises questions about the appropriate standards for recusal of judges with ties to universities involved in cases before them.
