Ex-Alabama Basketball Star Sues NCAA for College Return
Former Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako has initiated legal action against the NCAA. He seeks to regain eligibility to play for the Crimson Tide. The lawsuit was filed in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court, requesting both preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.
Background on Charles Bediako
Bediako played for Alabama from 2021 to 2023, during which he earned recognition as a member of the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2023. He played a vital role in helping Alabama secure the No. 1 overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
NBA Draft and G League Experience
After declaring for the NBA Draft, Bediako went undrafted. He subsequently joined the San Antonio Spurs organization under a two-way contract. Although he never played for the Spurs, he participated in five games with their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, during the 2023-24 season. The following season, he played all 34 games for the Grand Rapids Gold and then transitioned to the Motor City Cruise in 2025-26.
Circumstances of the Lawsuit
- Bediako’s request indicates he was not chosen in the NBA Draft and limited to G-League play.
- The filing cites that the NCAA has recently allowed other players who participated in the G League to return to college.
- Bediako claims that if he had anticipated changes in NCAA athlete compensation, he might have remained at Alabama.
Legal Arguments
His complaint emphasizes that other players, including James Nnaji, have successfully returned to college basketball after being drafted. The filing highlights other instances, such as London Johnson and Abdullah Ahmed, where G League players has rejoined collegiate programs.
Bediako has already enrolled at the University of Alabama and is pursuing immediate action to nullify the NCAA’s restrictions. His attorney, Darren Heitner, states that Bediako deserves equal treatment to other reinstated athletes.
Impact of the Lawsuit
The complaint warns that Bediako will face irreparable harm if he is not allowed to compete this season. With the University of Alabama’s 2025-26 season underway, missing out on games could hinder his development and integration with the team.
NCAA’s Response
The University of Alabama has reportedly sought permission from the NCAA to let Bediako play, but the request was denied. The legal filing asserts that the NCAA’s arbitrary application of its rules adds urgency to this case.
Bediako’s lawyers argue that the NCAA’s current regulations potentially deny him his last chance to play college basketball. Under existing NCAA guidelines, athletes generally have five years to utilize four years of eligibility, emphasizing the importance of swift legal resolution.
This ongoing situation demonstrates the complexities surrounding NCAA regulations and athlete eligibility, highlighting the need for transparency in decision-making. The outcome of Bediako’s lawsuit could influence future cases involving collegiate athletes attempting to navigate the evolving landscape of college sports.
