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SEC Commissioner Opposes Bediako's NCAA Eligibility Lawsuit
Greg Sankey files affidavit supporting NCAA in Alabama player's case to play this season.
Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:47pm
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SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has filed an affidavit opposing Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako's lawsuit against the NCAA over his eligibility to play the rest of the 2025-26 season. Sankey argues that allowing former professional athletes like Bediako to return to college competition creates an unfair advantage and disrupts the integrity of the college sports model.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA's eligibility rules and efforts by some high-profile athletes to bypass them. The SEC commissioner's opposition could carry significant weight as the court considers Bediako's request for an injunction to play this season.
The details
Bediako, who had left Alabama for the 2023 NBA Draft but went undrafted, is suing the NCAA to allow him to play the rest of this season for the Crimson Tide. The NCAA filed its response to the lawsuit, including Sankey's affidavit arguing that permitting former pro athletes to return creates an unfair competitive advantage and disrupts the college sports model that is built on current student-athletes maintaining academic standards and participating in the educational community.
- Bediako sued the NCAA in January 2026 seeking an injunction to play this season.
- The NCAA filed its response, including Sankey's affidavit, on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
- A hearing on Bediako's case is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026.
The players
Charles Bediako
An Alabama basketball player who is suing the NCAA to be eligible to play the rest of the 2025-26 season after leaving the team for the 2023 NBA Draft.
Greg Sankey
The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), who filed an affidavit opposing Bediako's lawsuit against the NCAA.
James Roberts
A judge in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court who recused himself from Bediako's case after it was revealed he is a donor to the University of Alabama.
Daniel Pruet
The judge who will hear Bediako's case on Friday, February 6, 2026.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which is being sued by Bediako over its eligibility rules.
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
“Permitting former professional athletes to return to competition creates a competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness for current student-athletes who have not pursed a professional sports career, but have instead maintained their commitment to the collegiate athletics model.”
— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner
What’s next
Judge Daniel Pruet will hear Bediako's case on Friday, February 6, 2026 to decide whether to grant his request for a preliminary injunction to play the rest of the season.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA's eligibility rules and efforts by some high-profile athletes to bypass them. The SEC commissioner's opposition could carry significant weight as the court considers Bediako's request, underscoring the NCAA's stance on maintaining the integrity of college sports and the opportunities it provides for current student-athletes.
