Alabama judge denies injunction for Charles Bediako
By JAMES MADDEN
Alabama judge Daniel Pruet denied the injunction that would’ve allowed Alabama’s Charles Bediako to continue to play this season, it was announced on Monday. Nick Kelly of Al.com first reported the decision. Becoming a top headline in the basketball world, Bediako returned to Alabama for his second stint with the program after playing three seasons professionally.
More information about the original granting of the injunction can be found here.
Prior to this situation, no player had ever returned to college after leaving to play professional basketball, until Bediako made history. Alabama Athletics released a statement about the decision, maintaining its support for Bediako.
“We are disappointed in today’s court ruling, denying the injunction for Charles Bediako. While we understand the concern around competitive and developmental implications of former professional athletes participating in college, it is important to acknowledge reality. The NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 current men’s basketball players with prior professional experience in the G League or overseas. Granting eligibility to some former professionals, and not to others, is what creates the havoc we are currently in and why consistency from decision-makers is so desperately needed.”
NCAA President Charlie Baker also released a statement on the controversial situation and the ultimate decision from Judge Pruet.
It is unclear how the NCAA will rule the three wins Alabama recorded with Bediako active, but the center will no longer be a member of the program, effective immediately.
Between his two stints with the program, Bediako was most recently a member of the Motor City Cruise, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons and has been playing professional basketball since 2023. He has never played in an NBA game but signed both a two-year NBA contract enabling him to play in the G League and multiple Exhibit-10 contracts. Averaging just under 15 minutes per game this season in the G League, Bediako has tallied 5.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Alabama sits at 16-7 overall and 6-4 in the SEC, prior to any rulings about its three wins with Bediako on the floor.
Follow James Madden on Twitter
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
The post Alabama judge denies injunction for Charles Bediako appeared first on Zagsblog.