Court Sides with NCAA

An Alabama judge just shut down Charles Bediako’s college basketball career, ruling he’s no longer eligible to play. The 7-foot center had been playing under a temporary restraining order, but that’s now been denied.

NCAA President Weighs In

NCAA President Charlie Baker is thrilled with the decision, saying ‘common sense won a round today.’ He claims it’s an attempt by pros to ‘crowd out the next generation of students.’ Baker thinks college sports should be for students, not pros looking for a comeback.

Bediako’s been averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in five games. Not bad, but it’s not enough to save his college career. Alabama’s coach, Nate Oats, says Bediako can still stay on scholarship and work towards a degree, though.

The case started when Bediako left Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signed a two-way contract, and played in the G League. He wasn’t selected in the draft, but played for the Motor City Cruise as recently as mid-January. His lawyers argued he’s still within his five-year college eligibility window, but the NCAA and the court aren’t buying it.