SEC Commissioner Sides With NCAA Against Alabama Player's Eligibility Bid

Greg Sankey argues against Charles Bediako's request to continue playing this season

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:39pm

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SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has filed an affidavit asking the court to uphold the NCAA's eligibility rules and deny Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction that would allow him to continue playing this season. Bediako, who previously played for Alabama for two seasons, declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but went undrafted and spent the past three seasons in the G League. He is now suing the NCAA to regain his college eligibility.

Why it matters

This case stands to deliver a significant decision for the NCAA in its ongoing legal challenges to its eligibility rules, particularly in college basketball. The NCAA has granted eligibility to many former G League and international players this season, but has drawn a distinction with players like Bediako who had previously played in college and signed an NBA contract.

The details

Bediako, a 7-footer from Brampton, Ontario, is averaging 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes over four games since rejoining the Alabama roster under a temporary restraining order. A hearing on the preliminary injunction to determine whether he can continue playing this season is scheduled for Friday morning. Bediako's original complaint alleged that he filed the lawsuit only after the NCAA denied Alabama's request to reinstate his eligibility, and argued that he 'never would have left school to pursue financial gain elsewhere' had he known the amount of money he could have earned at the college level via NIL and revenue sharing.

  • Bediako previously played for Alabama for two seasons from 2021 to 2023.
  • Bediako declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after two seasons with the Crimson Tide, forgoing his remaining eligibility.
  • Bediako spent most of the past three seasons competing in the G League, including as recently as Jan. 17, 2026.
  • Bediako has appeared in four games since Jan. 24 under a temporary restraining order.
  • The hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled for Friday morning.

The players

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), who is arguing against Bediako's request for ongoing eligibility in his lawsuit against the NCAA.

Charles Bediako

A 23-year-old basketball player who previously played for the University of Alabama for two seasons from 2021 to 2023, before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft and spending the past three seasons in the G League. He is now suing the NCAA to regain his college eligibility.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the University of Alabama men's basketball team, which has drawn criticism for recruiting and playing Bediako.

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA, who stated that the NCAA 'has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract)'.

Amari Bailey

A former UCLA guard who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft and is also pursuing a return to college basketball.

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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 NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract (including a two-way contract).”

— Charlie Baker, NCAA President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to grant Bediako a preliminary injunction that would allow him to continue playing this season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's eligibility rules and the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly with the rise of the G League and the increased earning potential for student-athletes through NIL deals. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the NCAA's ability to enforce its rules and maintain the integrity of college basketball.