SEC commissioner files affidavit opposing Alabama player’s return from pro basketball

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey filed an affidavit Wednesday asking a court to block Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako from competing, arguing that allowing former professional athletes to return to college would undermine the integrity of college sports.

Sankey’s filing represents the highest-profile opposition yet to Bediako’s unprecedented return to Alabama after spending three years playing professional basketball, including time in the NBA’s developmental G League.

“Inconsistent application of the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case — through court rulings or otherwise — fuels disruption in college sports,” Sankey said in the sworn statement filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.

The SEC commissioner warned that allowing Bediako to play creates “competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness” for current student-athletes who have remained committed to college basketball instead of pursuing professional careers.

Court battle continues over eligibility

Bediako has been playing for Alabama under a temporary restraining order granted Jan. 21 that prevents the NCAA from denying his eligibility. The 6-foot-11 center left Alabama in 2023 to pursue an NBA career but was not drafted and instead signed a two-way contract with San Antonio.

He played 14 games in his first G League season before suffering a knee injury, then played 14 more games this season with the Motor City Cruise before returning to Alabama to complete his degree.

A Tuscaloosa County judge initially granted the restraining order but has since recused himself from the case. Bediako’s attorneys filed a motion this week asking to postpone a preliminary injunction hearing that was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6 until Feb. 16-18.

The attorneys also want to force the NCAA to turn over evidence of cases where athletes who signed professional contracts were allowed to return to college competition.

Sankey cites impact on other players

In his affidavit, Sankey argued that changes to eligibility rules would hurt high school players and other developing athletes.

“Each roster spot filled by a former professional athlete is a roster spot that becomes unavailable to a high school student-athlete or another less-developed athlete who would benefit from the educational and athletic growth opportunities uniquely available through college sports,” he said.

The SEC commissioner emphasized that NCAA rules limiting athletes to four seasons of competition within five years are designed to align athletics with undergraduate education and preserve opportunities for future student-athletes.

Unprecedented case draws national attention

The NCAA has strongly opposed Bediako’s return, releasing a statement last month saying such attempts “are taking away opportunities from high school students” and calling for Congress to step in and empower college sports to enforce eligibility rules.

Court documents show the NCAA recently reinstated another former G League player who reportedly earned over $1 million in professional career earnings — nearly twice what Bediako has earned. The NCAA also reinstated international player James Nnaji, who was drafted in 2023 and played multiple professional seasons overseas.

Alabama supports player’s return

The University of Alabama has backed Bediako throughout the legal battle, saying it “supports Charles and his ongoing efforts to be reinstated for competition while he works to complete his degree.”

Bediako has appeared in multiple games for Alabama since the restraining order was granted, including a January 24 game against Tennessee.

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