SEC Commissioner Seeks to Block Alabama Player's Eligibility

Greg Sankey files rare motion against Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako's return to college basketball.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:07pm

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has filed an affidavit asking a state judge to uphold NCAA eligibility rules and deny extended eligibility to Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako. Bediako, a 7-foot center, returned to the Crimson Tide last month despite leaving school three years ago and signing multiple professional contracts, which typically results in a permanent loss of collegiate eligibility. Sankey warned that granting Bediako eligibility could allow former professional athletes to return to college, creating competitive imbalance and limiting opportunities for high school recruits.

Why it matters

Sankey's move places him at odds with the growing wave of athlete-backed legal challenges across college sports, as many schools, including others within the SEC, have actively supported players seeking expanded eligibility through the courts. The case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's eligibility rules and the increasing legal challenges from student-athletes.

The details

Bediako is currently playing under a temporary restraining order granted on Jan. 21, and a hearing on Friday will determine whether that order becomes a preliminary injunction. Sankey's filing aligns him squarely with the NCAA's efforts to uphold its eligibility rules, even as he has publicly criticized the waiver process as being inconsistent.

  • On January 21, 2026, a temporary restraining order was granted allowing Bediako to continue playing.
  • On February 6, 2026, a hearing will be held to determine if the temporary restraining order becomes a preliminary injunction.

The players

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), who has filed an affidavit asking a state judge to uphold NCAA eligibility rules and deny extended eligibility to Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako.

Charles Bediako

A 7-foot center for the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team, who returned to the team last month despite leaving school three years ago and signing multiple professional contracts, which typically results in a permanent loss of collegiate eligibility.

Daniel Pruet

The judge presiding over the case, who will determine whether the temporary restraining order granted on January 21 becomes a preliminary injunction.

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What they’re saying

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to grant a preliminary injunction that would allow Bediako to continue playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's eligibility rules and the increasing legal challenges from student-athletes, as well as the rare move by a conference commissioner to actively oppose a player's bid for extended eligibility.