What started as a surprising path back to college basketball has now shifted into a high-stakes legal fight with wider implications. Charles Bediako remains on the court for now, but the foundation allowing him to play is under direct challenge from the NCAA, placing his eligibility back in serious doubt.

Bediako had previously secured a temporary restraining order that allowed him to suit up for Alabama Crimson Tide despite having signed three NBA contracts. That ruling briefly turned his return into a feel-good storyline. It has since evolved into a procedural showdown that could reshape how courts handle eligibility disputes involving former professional players.

According to court documents obtained by the Tuscaloosa News, the NCAA has formally moved to dissolve Bediako’s temporary restraining order while also opposing his request to delay the preliminary injunction hearing. Reporter Emilee Smarr shared the organization’s stance in a post on X, quoting directly from the filing:

“This Court should never have entered a TRO because Plaintiff failed to comply with the notice requirements of Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 65.”

The NCAA’s argument centers on procedure, not performance. The organization contends that Bediako failed to properly notify required parties before requesting emergency relief from the court. If that claim succeeds, the restraining order that has kept him eligible could be invalidated retroactively.

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That possibility matters because Bediako has already appeared in three games since returning to Alabama. In those contests, he has averaged 11 points, 5.3 rebounds, and two blocks while playing 22.3 minutes per game. Should the TRO be dissolved, those appearances could become a point of contention.

The legal tension intensified when Bediako’s legal team asked to reschedule the preliminary injunction hearing to February 16 through 18. As Smarr reported, NCAA attorneys strongly objected, calling the request “a blatant attempt to delay proceedings” so Bediako could “participate in more games in which he has no right to participate under NCAA rules.”

The hearing had already been delayed once, moving from January 27 after inclement weather prevented NCAA counsel from traveling to Tuscaloosa. Another postponement would have potentially allowed Bediako to play against Auburn on February 7, Ole Miss on February 11, and South Carolina on February 14. The NCAA has framed that possibility as the core issue, arguing that further delays would undermine the purpose of the eligibility rules entirely.

Alabama delivers a statement win over Texas amid Charles Bediako’s legal drama

While the courtroom developments dominated headlines, Alabama delivered a result that reinforced its on-court credibility. The Crimson Tide knocked off SEC leader Texas A&M Aggies 100 to 97 on Wednesday night at Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama closed the game on a decisive 19 to 6 run, capping a contest that featured 28 lead changes and 13 ties. Freshman Aden Holloway led the way with 20 points and a career-high six rebounds. The scoring load was balanced, with six Alabama players reaching double figures.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr. finished with 16 points, Labaron Philon Jr. added 17, and Amari Allen orchestrated the offense with six assists. Houston Mallette and London Jemison also chipped in double-digit scoring as Alabama stretched the defense with perimeter shooting.

The Crimson Tide knocked down 16 three-pointers and recorded 19 assists on 31 made field goals. They also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 44 to 36 and collecting 13 offensive rebounds that proved critical late.

The win improved Alabama’s record to 15 and 7 overall and 5 and 4 in SEC play. It also reinforced a key reality beneath the legal noise. While Bediako’s availability remains unresolved, Alabama has shown it can execute, respond, and win high-level games regardless of how the courtroom battle unfolds.