NCAA statement on Charles Bediak’s lawsuit

The NCAA has officially responded to the lawsuit he filed former Alabama basketball center Charles Bediakoand the statement casts serious doubt on any path back to college basketball for the Crimson Tide alum.

On Tuesday, the NCAA acknowledged the legal process in a public response addressing Bediako’s eligibility challenge. In the statement, the organization clearly stated its position.

“The NCAA is aware of media reports of a lawsuit filed against the NCAA by Charles Bediaco,” the NCAA said, via Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, who posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “Mr. Bediako signed three NBA contracts after competing in college for two seasons. The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective student or returning athlete who has signed an NBA contract. The eligibility rules ensure that high school students receive the opportunity to earn scholarships, and we will continue to consistently enforce and defend these rules.”

Bediako is alleged filed suit against NCAA in hopes of regaining eligibility to return to Alabama for the 2025–26 season. The former Crimson Tide center played in Tuscaloosa during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, where he went undrafted.

Since then, Bediako has continued his professional career in the NBA G League, signing contracts and spending time with the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold and most recently the Motor City Cruz. Those professional contracts are at the heart of the NCAA’s staunch opposition. NCAA President Charlie Baker previously stated that signing with the G League or the NBA permanently waives college eligibility.

Bediak’s lawsuit, filed in Tuscaloosa County District Court, seeks both a temporary and permanent injunction. Even a preliminary ruling in his favor could allow him to suit up at Alabama this season — a significant development for a team that has struggled with rebounding and interior defense. However, the NCAA’s response suggests that such relief will be hotly contested.

In its broader defense, the NCAA also pointed to its legal record, noting that of 52 eligibility-related lawsuits, 26 preliminary injunctions were denied, 10 were granted, eight were voluntarily dismissed and eight are still pending.

The case is also related to growth national debate over whether professional playersespecially from the G League or international circuits, should be allowed to return to college basketball.

For now, with Alabama facing the Tennessee Volunteers this weekend, the lawsuit looms as a high-profile test case. And, the the outcome could affect future eligibility challengesbut the NCAA has made it clear that it is prepared for a long legal battle.