Judge Recuses Himself from Alabama Basketball Player's Case

NCAA request leads to new judge being assigned to Charles Bediako's case

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The case involving former NBA G League player and current Alabama center Charles Bediako will have a new judge. James H. Roberts Jr., a judge for the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court, recused himself from the case on Wednesday after a request from the NCAA. Judge Daniel Pruet, who is presiding over former Crimson Tide forward Darius Miles' capital murder case, will now oversee the Bediako case.

Why it matters

The NCAA filed a motion for recusal, citing Judge Roberts' status as an Alabama Athletics donor, which could raise questions about his impartiality in the case. The move to a new judge aims to protect the proceedings from any appearance of impropriety.

The details

Bediako has averaged 13.5 points per game on 81.8% shooting since returning to the collegiate level. Alabama head coach Nate Oats said Bediako will continue to play for the team as long as he is eligible.

  • On Wednesday, Judge James H. Roberts Jr. recused himself from the case.
  • On Monday, the NCAA filed a motion for recusal.

The players

Charles Bediako

A former NBA G League player and current center for the University of Alabama basketball team.

James H. Roberts Jr.

A judge for the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court who recused himself from the Bediako case.

Daniel Pruet

The judge who will now preside over the Bediako case, and is also handling the capital murder case of former Crimson Tide forward Darius Miles.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the University of Alabama basketball team.

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which filed a motion for recusal of the original judge in the Bediako case.

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What they’re saying

“Courts in Alabama and beyond have widely recognized that a mere appearance of partiality is sufficient to require the recusal of a trial judge. This appearance can be compounded by widespread media and public scrutiny questioning the trial court's impartiality.”

— NCAA

“Everywhere I've been — and going back to my high school days — I'm going to do right by my players in every single situation, as long as they ain't done anything wrong.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach

What’s next

The new judge, Daniel Pruet, will now oversee the Bediako case moving forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining the appearance of impartiality in the judicial system, especially when high-profile athletes and programs are involved. The NCAA's successful motion for recusal demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent process.