Alabama Supreme Court denies Charles Bediako's request to play for Alabama again

Bediako sought to play for the University of Alabama while appealing his case

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Alabama Supreme Court has denied a request by former professional basketball player Charles Bediako to play for the University of Alabama again this season while he appeals a previous ruling that made him ineligible to play college basketball.

Why it matters

This decision upholds the NCAA's eligibility rules and will prevent Bediako from potentially gaining an unfair advantage by playing while his case is still being appealed.

The details

Bediako, who previously played professionally overseas, was ruled ineligible to play for Alabama due to NCAA rules regarding the number of years a player can compete at the college level. He sought an exception to play this season while his appeal was pending, but the Alabama Supreme Court denied that request.

  • The Alabama Supreme Court made its ruling on February 28, 2026.

The players

Charles Bediako

A former professional basketball player who sought to play for the University of Alabama again this season while appealing a previous ruling that made him ineligible.

University of Alabama

The college basketball team that Bediako wanted to play for again this season.

NCAA

The governing body for college sports that ruled Bediako ineligible to play due to its eligibility rules.

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What’s next

Bediako will now have to continue his appeal process without being able to play for Alabama this season.

The takeaway

This decision upholds the NCAA's authority to enforce its eligibility rules, even in cases where a player seeks an exception while appealing a ruling.