SEC Commissioner Files Brief Against Granting Alabama Player Eligibility

Greg Sankey argues NCAA rules are essential to college sports' integrity and mission.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:15pm

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SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has filed a legal brief urging a state judge to uphold NCAA eligibility rules and deny extended eligibility to Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako. Bediako left school three years ago and signed multiple professional contracts, which violates NCAA rules. Sankey argues that granting Bediako eligibility could set a precedent that undermines the principles of college athletics. A hearing is scheduled for Friday to determine if Bediako can continue playing for Alabama.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's eligibility rules and players seeking additional seasons of play, often with the support of their schools. The Bediako situation could set a precedent that impacts the NCAA's ability to enforce its rules, which Sankey argues are essential to preserving the unique character and opportunities of college sports.

The details

Bediako, a 7-foot center, returned to the Alabama basketball team last month despite leaving school three years ago and signing multiple professional contracts, which violates NCAA eligibility rules. He is currently playing under a temporary restraining order granted by an Alabama judge. At Friday's hearing, a new judge will determine if Bediako can continue playing for Alabama through a preliminary injunction.

  • On January 21, an Alabama judge granted Bediako a temporary restraining order allowing him to continue playing.
  • The hearing to determine if Bediako can play through a preliminary injunction is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Charles Bediako

A 7-foot center for the Alabama basketball team who left school three years ago and signed multiple professional contracts, violating NCAA eligibility rules.

Daniel Pruet

The new judge who will preside over the hearing on Friday to determine if Bediako can continue playing for Alabama.

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA, who acknowledges the frustration over the NCAA's waiver process and inconsistent eligibility decisions.

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What they’re saying

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

“The phone calls I get from coaches and ADs are pretty consistent: 'I don't like it when what judge ends up in front of and what state they're in determines whether somebody gets to play another year; that's not fair!' I have a hard time arguing with that.”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to allow Charles Bediako to continue playing for Alabama through a preliminary injunction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle between the NCAA's eligibility rules and players seeking additional seasons of play, often with the support of their schools. The outcome could set a precedent that impacts the NCAA's ability to enforce its rules, which are intended to preserve the unique character and opportunities of college sports.