Charles Bediako Denied Interim Injunction by Tuscaloosa Judge

Former Alabama basketball player's appeal to play during NCAA suspension remains denied

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charles Bediako, a former Alabama basketball player, has been denied an interim injunction by a Tuscaloosa judge during his appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court regarding a previous ruling that denied his request for a preliminary injunction to play for the Crimson Tide this season.

Why it matters

Bediako's case highlights the ongoing legal battles between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility and suspension rules. The denial of the interim injunction means Bediako will likely remain sidelined for the remainder of the season as his appeal proceeds.

The details

Bediako had his request for a preliminary injunction denied by Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet on February 9th. He then appealed that decision to the Alabama Supreme Court on February 23rd, while also filing a request for an interim injunction that would have allowed him to play during the appeals process. However, Judge Pruet denied Bediako's request for the interim injunction less than 24 hours after it was filed.

  • On February 6th, Bediako's hearing for a preliminary injunction took place before Judge Pruet.
  • On February 9th, Judge Pruet denied Bediako's request for a preliminary injunction.
  • On February 23rd, Bediako appealed Judge Pruet's decision to the Alabama Supreme Court and filed a request for an interim injunction.
  • On February 23rd, less than 24 hours after filing, Judge Pruet denied Bediako's request for an interim injunction.

The players

Charles Bediako

A former Alabama basketball player who is appealing a ruling that denied his request for a preliminary injunction to play for the Crimson Tide this season.

Judge Daniel Pruet

The Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge who denied Bediako's requests for both a preliminary injunction and an interim injunction pending his appeal.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Despite the denials, Bediako has remained enrolled in classes at the University of Alabama and continues to work out and practice with the Crimson Tide, although he has not appeared in a game since the denial.”

— Wyatt Fulton, Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager

What’s next

Bediako's appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court will continue as he seeks to overturn the previous rulings and gain eligibility to play for Alabama this season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility rules, with Bediako's denials so far indicating the difficulty in overturning NCAA suspensions through the courts, even as the player remains enrolled and practicing with the team.