SEC Commissioner Sides with NCAA in Bediako Eligibility Case

Paul Finebaum defends Greg Sankey's unprecedented move to support NCAA's position.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako's eligibility case against the NCAA hit a setback as a judge denied his request for a temporary injunction. This effectively ends Bediako's return to college basketball after just five games. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey submitted an affidavit in support of the NCAA's opposition to Bediako's injunction request, which was seen as an unprecedented move for the conference leader.

Why it matters

Sankey's support of the NCAA's case was surprising, as it went against one of the league's biggest programs. However, Finebaum suggests Sankey likely had the backing of 15 of 16 SEC presidents, indicating this was a calculated decision to uphold the NCAA's eligibility rules and the integrity of college sports.

The details

The judge's ruling denies Bediako's request for a temporary injunction, effectively ending his return to college basketball at Alabama after just 5 games. Sankey's affidavit in support of the NCAA's position was seen as an unusual move, as the SEC commissioner typically does not get directly involved in individual player eligibility cases.

  • On January 21, Bediako was granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to play.
  • On February 10, the judge denied Bediako's request for a temporary injunction.

The players

Charles Bediako

Alabama 7-foot center who was seeking to regain his college eligibility after spending time in the NBA G-League.

Greg Sankey

Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), who submitted an affidavit in support of the NCAA's position against Bediako's eligibility case.

Daniel Pruet

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge who denied Bediako's request for a temporary injunction.

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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

“I can only give my opinion, but I am somewhat surprised by a lot of my friends who call in this show and support Alabama, in particular some of the media whose nasty comments and personal comments toward the commissioner have really just been outrageous.”

— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Bediako may still appeal the judge's decision, but the ruling effectively ends his return to college basketball at Alabama after just 5 games.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between player eligibility, the NCAA's rules, and the role of conference leadership. Sankey's unprecedented support of the NCAA's position, likely with backing from SEC presidents, underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of college sports, even when it impacts a high-profile program like Alabama.