Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet denied a preliminary injunction for Alabama basketball center Charles Bediako, effectively ending the 7-foot star’s collegiate season and his attempt to return to the NCAA from the professional ranks.
The ruling dissolves a temporary restraining order (TRO) that had allowed Bediako to play five games for the Crimson Tide since late January.
The Legal Decision
Judge Pruet’s decision serves as a significant victory for the NCAA, which has seen its eligibility rules frequently challenged in court. The court’s reasoning centered on three main points:
Lack of Irreparable Harm: The judge ruled that Bediako’s loss of potential income (NIL or professional) could be quantified and compensated through money damages, meaning an emergency injunction was not legally necessary.
Failure to Prove Merit: The court found Bediako’s legal team did not demonstrate a “reasonable chance of success” on claims that the NCAA violated antitrust laws.
Consistency of Rules: The ruling stated that the NCAA has consistently applied the rule that a player who signs an NBA contract and forgoes their college eligibility cannot simply “undo” that decision.
Impact on Alabama’s Season
Bediako’s brief return provided a massive boost to the Crimson Tide’s frontcourt. His absence creates an immediate void as the team moves into the critical final stretch of the SEC schedule.
| Category | Performance with Bediako (5 Games) |
| Team Record | 3–2 |
| Scoring Average | 10.0 PPG |
| Rebounding | 4.6 RPG |
| Defensive Impact | 1.4 BPG |
| Efficiency | 77% FG Shooting |
Despite his ineligibility, Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats confirmed that Bediako will remain on academic scholarship to finish his degree. However, the NCAA selection committee will now evaluate Alabama’s résumé based on the roster they will have for the tournament—which will not include Bediako.
Reaction: “Common Sense” vs. “Inconsistency”
The ruling has ignited a heated debate between the NCAA leadership and the Alabama athletic department.
“Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students.” — NCAA President Charlie Baker
In contrast, the University of Alabama released a statement expressing deep disappointment, arguing that the NCAA has granted eligibility to over 100 other players with professional experience (mostly international) and that the refusal to reinstate Bediako highlights a lack of consistency in decision-making.
