After being ruled "immediately eligible" by a Tuscaloosa County circuit judge this week, NBA G Leaguer and former Alabama center Charles Bediako will again suit up for the Crimson Tide on Saturday.
Bediako filed a lawsuit in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court on Tuesday against the NCAA in an attempt to play for the Crimson Tide again. Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge James Roberts, Jr. granted his motion on Wednesday for a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
Per a report by On3's Charlie Potter, head coach Nate Oats said that he is "planning to play" the seven-footer, who last played for the Tide in the 2022-2023 season before entering the NBA Draft.
“Since the NCAA has already allowed professionals to play … you tell me how I’m supposed to not support Charles and the team when he’s been told he’s able to play?” Oats told Potter.
He added, "We are planning to play him. He's eligible to play. We're going to follow the court orders."
Bediako appeared for the G League's Motor City Cruise on January 17. He has since enrolled in classes at Alabama for the spring semester and filed suit against the NCAA.
Bediako's temporary restraining order is in effect for 10 days, with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for next Tuesday to determine his eligibility going forward.
Alabama will host Tennessee on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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