HoopTalk – The NCAA is Doomed

Another day, another court case for the NCAA—and yet another loss. The understanding of eligibility continues to get muddier by the minute. We’re now seeing players with professional experience attempting to hijack the system just to cash in on NIL deals. That’s all it is: a blatant money grab. The attorneys representing these players don’t care about on-court performance, team wins, or the integrity of the game—they’re simply focused on maximizing earnings for themselves and their clients. But this mess is yet another self-inflicted wound by the NCAA.

So who are we talking about? To fully unpack the Charles Bediako eligibility saga and its connection to the broader argument that the NCAA is self-sabotaging itself through its own policies. This case is a prime example of how the evolving landscape of college athletics—fueled by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and relentless legal challenges—is eroding the NCAA’s authority and creating chaos in eligibility rules.

Background on Charles Bediako

Charles Bediako is a 7-foot Canadian center who was a highly touted recruit in the Class of 2021. He committed to the University of Alabama, where he played two seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) under coach Nate Oats. During his time with the Crimson Tide:

• He appeared in 70 games, starting most of them.
• Career averages: 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
• He was a key defensive anchor, earning All-SEC Defensive Team honors in 2023 and helping Alabama achieve a top-three national defense that season.

At 21 years old during his sophomore year, Bediako was seen as a potential NBA prospect due to his size, shot-blocking, and athleticism. However, his offensive game was raw, which limited his draft stock. After the 2022-23 season, Bediako declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. He went undrafted but quickly entered the professional ranks.

• Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2023, which was later converted to a two-way deal (allowing him to split time between the NBA and G League). He was waived shortly after.
• Over the next two-and-a-half to three years (from 2023 to early 2026), he bounced around: Signed with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons, played in NBA Summer League games, and spent significant time in the G League.
• He never appeared in an actual NBA regular-season game but earned professional paychecks and gained pro experience—facts that traditionally would end a player’s amateur status under NCAA rules.

Now, here is where the NCAA loses itself. Under longstanding NCAA bylaws (specifically Article 12 on amateurism), signing a professional contract or accepting payment above actual and necessary expenses permanently forfeits college eligibility. So Bediako (and others) who have SIGNED professional contracts should be deemed ineligible, but not here!

So what did Bediako do? Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on January 21, 2026, in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. His legal team argued that the NCAA’s denial was arbitrary and violated antitrust laws, especially in the NIL era, where college athletes can now profit like pros. They framed it as an unfair restraint on his ability to compete and earn.

On January 22, 2026, Judge James H. Roberts Jr. granted Bediako a temporary restraining order (TRO):

• This immediately reinstated his eligibility, allowing him to practice and play for No. 17 Alabama (13-5, 3-2 SEC as of the ruling).
• The TRO explicitly bars the NCAA from “threatening, imposing, attempting to impose, suggesting, or implying any penalties or sanctions” against Bediako, Alabama, its coaches, or players. This includes no vacating wins or other punishments.
• It’s valid for 10 days initially, with a full hearing scheduled for January 27, 2026, to decide on a permanent injunction.
• Bediako is cleared to suit up as soon as Alabama’s home game against Tennessee on January 24, 2026—a massive boost for a Tide team needing interior depth to stay competitive in the SEC.

So, in case you were interested in watching college basketball tomorrow, look out for more professionals seeking amateur opportunities!