Judge Denies Former Alabama Center's Bid to Return to College Basketball

Charles Bediako's attorney vows to continue legal fight against NCAA eligibility rules

Feb. 10, 2026 at 1:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Tuscaloosa judge has denied a request by former Alabama center Charles Bediako that would have allowed him to continue playing college basketball this season. Bediako's attorney criticized the ruling, saying it "ignored that an athlete's NIL value is directly tied to his ability to play" and "contrasts with eligibility grants to many other former pros." The decision effectively ends Bediako's bid to return to the court for the Alabama Crimson Tide, though his legal challenge is expected to continue.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between college athletes, the NCAA, and the evolving landscape of name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. Bediako's situation raises questions about the NCAA's eligibility rules and the consistency with which they are applied, especially as more former professional players seek to return to the college game.

The details

Charles Bediako, a 7-foot center, spent the last two and a half seasons in the NBA G League after entering the 2023 NBA draft. He originally played two seasons at Alabama before leaving the program. Bediako initially returned to action in January after being granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, appearing in five games and averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. However, the latest ruling by the Tuscaloosa judge has effectively ended his bid to continue playing for the Crimson Tide this season.

  • On February 10, 2026, a Tuscaloosa judge denied Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction against NCAA eligibility rules.
  • In January 2026, Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order that allowed him to return to the court and play for Alabama.

The players

Charles Bediako

A former Alabama center who spent the last two and a half seasons in the NBA G League after entering the 2023 NBA draft. He originally played two seasons for the Crimson Tide before leaving the program.

Darren Heitner

One of Bediako's attorneys, who criticized the court's decision and said the legal fight is not over.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team, who expressed disappointment with the ruling and echoed concerns about inconsistencies in NCAA eligibility decisions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Deeply disappointed in the Tuscaloosa court's denial of Charles Bediako's request for an injunction against the NCAA. This ruling ignored that an athlete's NIL value is directly tied to his ability to play, overlooks that NCAA rules do not distinguish between athletes with prior college experience and those without, and contrasts with eligibility grants to many other former pros. We fight on for fairness.”

— Darren Heitner, Attorney for Charles Bediako

“More than 100 current college players with prior professional experience remain eligible, including players whose NBA draft rights are owned by teams.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

Bediako's legal team is expected to continue their challenge against the NCAA's eligibility rules, despite the latest court ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between college athletes, the NCAA, and the evolving landscape of name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. It raises questions about the consistency and fairness of the NCAA's eligibility rules, especially as more former professional players seek to return to the college game.