Judge Grants TRO Clearing Bediako for Alabama Return

A Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge granted former Alabama center Charles Bediako a temporary restraining order on January 21, 2026, clearing him to immediately rejoin the Crimson Tide men's basketball team for the remainder of the season. The 7-foot Canadian from Brampton, Ontario, who last played for Alabama in 2023, becomes eligible to participate in practices and games, potentially debuting as soon as the team's home matchup against Tennessee on January 24.

Bediako filed the lawsuit against the NCAA in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on January 20, seeking the order after the organization denied the University of Alabama's request to reinstate his eligibility. The court's ruling, issued by Judge James H. Roberts Jr., remains in effect for 10 days or until a hearing on January 27, where Bediako will request a preliminary injunction to extend his playing status. The order also prohibits the NCAA from enforcing rules that would bar his participation or sanction Alabama for allowing him to play.

The dispute centers on NCAA eligibility guidelines, which prohibit student-athletes who have signed professional NBA contracts from returning to college competition. Bediako, a four-star...