Judge Recuses Himself from Alabama Player's NCAA Eligibility Case

The judge overseeing Charles Bediako's lawsuit against the NCAA has stepped down due to potential conflicts of interest.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The judge presiding over Alabama center Charles Bediako's lawsuit against the NCAA has recused himself from the case. Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge James Roberts, who was listed as a donor to the university, filed the order to step down after the NCAA filed a motion citing his relationship with Alabama athletics as a potential conflict of interest. The case has been reassigned to Judge Daniel Pruet, an Alabama graduate overseeing a separate high-profile case.

Why it matters

This recusal highlights the complex issues surrounding player eligibility and the perceived impartiality of the judicial system when it comes to high-profile college sports cases. The NCAA has strongly opposed Bediako's attempt to regain eligibility, raising questions about the organization's power and the ability of student-athletes to challenge its rulings.

The details

Charles Bediako, a former Alabama basketball player, is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving school and entering the 2023 NBA draft. Bediako went undrafted but signed a two-way NBA contract and has played in the G League for the past three seasons. Last week, Judge Roberts granted a temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to play for Alabama, at least until a hearing on a longer-term injunction could be held. However, the NCAA filed a motion for recusal, noting Roberts' donations to the university and the potential perception of partiality. Bediako's attorneys did not oppose the motion, and the case has now been reassigned to Judge Pruet.

  • On January 29, 2026, Judge James Roberts filed the order to recuse himself from the case.
  • The case was reassigned to Judge Daniel Pruet on the same day.

The players

Charles Bediako

A former Alabama basketball player who is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain his college eligibility after leaving school and entering the 2023 NBA draft.

Judge James Roberts

The Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge who was originally presiding over Bediako's case against the NCAA, but has recused himself due to potential conflicts of interest related to his donations to the University of Alabama.

Judge Daniel Pruet

The Alabama graduate who has been assigned to oversee Bediako's case against the NCAA after Judge Roberts' recusal.

NCAA

The national collegiate athletic association that is being sued by Bediako in an attempt to regain his eligibility, and has strongly opposed his return to college basketball.

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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

What’s next

A hearing on a longer-term injunction that would allow Bediako to continue playing for Alabama is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, the NCAA, and the judicial system when it comes to player eligibility. The recusal of the judge due to potential conflicts of interest underscores the need for impartiality and transparency in these high-profile cases that have significant implications for both the players and the college sports landscape.