New Hearing Date Set for Charles Bediako's Eligibility Case

The Alabama center's case has been rescheduled for Feb. 6 — one day before the Crimson Tide takes on Auburn in the Iron Bowl of Basketball.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:47am

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Alabama center Charles Bediako sued the NCAA on Jan. 20 in an effort to regain his eligibility, and a judge granted him a 10-day restraining order that allowed him to play in a game against Tennessee. However, the judge in the case has now recused himself, and a new hearing date has been set for Feb. 6, one day before Alabama's matchup against Auburn.

Why it matters

Bediako's eligibility case has significant implications for Alabama's basketball team, as he is a key player for the Crimson Tide. The outcome of the hearing could determine whether he is able to continue playing for Alabama or if he will be forced to sit out.

The details

Bediako sued the NCAA on Jan. 20 in an effort to regain his eligibility, and a judge granted him a 10-day restraining order that allowed him to play in a game against Tennessee. However, the judge in the case, James Roberts, has now recused himself after the NCAA requested that he do so, citing his status as a six-figure donor to the University of Alabama. The case has been reassigned to Judge Daniel Pruet, who is also handling the capital murder case of former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles.

  • Bediako sued the NCAA on Jan. 20.
  • The judge granted Bediako a 10-day restraining order on Jan. 20.
  • Bediako played in the game against Tennessee on Jan. 21.
  • The judge recused himself from the case on Jan. 25.
  • The new hearing date has been set for Feb. 6.

The players

Charles Bediako

An Alabama center who is suing the NCAA in an effort to regain his eligibility.

James Roberts

The judge who initially presided over Bediako's case, but has since recused himself due to his status as a six-figure donor to the University of Alabama.

Daniel Pruet

The new judge who has been assigned to Bediako's case, and who is also handling the capital murder case of former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles.

NCAA

The organization that Bediako is suing in an effort to regain his eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“The NCAA has faith in the judicial process and does not currently contend the Court has an actual bias, partiality, or prejudice. Similarly, the NCAA does not allege that any actual bias motivated the Court's granting of a temporary restraining order.”

— NCAA

“Instead, the NCAA contends that proceeding in this Court has created an impermissible appearance of impropriety because of the intense media scrutiny and public speculation surrounding the Court's relationship with the University of Alabama and its athletics programs and student-athletes.”

— NCAA

What’s next

The new hearing date for Bediako's eligibility case has been set for Feb. 6, one day before Alabama's matchup against Auburn.

The takeaway

Bediako's eligibility case has become a high-profile legal battle, with the NCAA citing concerns about the appearance of impropriety due to the judge's connections to the University of Alabama. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Alabama's basketball team and Bediako's future.