Former Auburn Tigers coach Bruce Pearl dropped a bombshell this week about Alabama center Charles Bediako’s return to college basketball. He thinks the NCAA should consider banning Alabama Crimson Tide from the 2026 tournament because Bediako’s return can create controversy.
Bediako departed from Alabama to get his shot at the 2023 NBA Draft, but he went undrafted. Following that, he spent three seasons in the G League. So, technically, his college career should be finished.
But he filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking to regain eligibility and play again for Alabama. He’s scored a total of 27 points in his last two games after a Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge allowed him to play, granting him a temporary restraining order.
But the NCAA initially denied Alabama’s request to reintroduce Bediako. But since he now has the green light to play college basketball again, Pearl shared his thoughts in a recent discussion with Dan Dakich on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me” podcast.
“I think they should consider it,” Pearl said before explaining some perspectives. “I think it’s something that should be talked about.”
“So, the NCAA, Alabama went ‘Hey, we want to get Bediako eligible. We think there’s some argument that he’s getting treated differently as an American that played professionally vs. European kids.’ It’s a good argument to have, but the NCAA said no,” he continued.
Should Bama be banned from the Tournament for playing Charles Bediako? @dandakich & @coachbrucepearl discuss pic.twitter.com/gSFXmjvHFP
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 31, 2026
While talking about the NCAA’s response, he added, “They said, ‘No, he’s not eligible. You guys are part of the SEC, you’re part of the NCAA. You guys choose to be here. Therefore, you choose to play by our rules.’”
Pearl, however, took issue with Alabama’s next move, adding, “And so, when we don’t like the ruling, what do we do? We go to court and get an injunction.”
The 65-year-old then referenced his own NCAA violations that cost him his Tennessee Volunteers job for recruiting violations. He accepted the penalty.
“I broke the rules,” Pearl said. “This is what the rules were. I made a mistake, and it cost me.”
Bediako’s injunction hearing is set for Feb. 6. ESPN’s Seth Greenberg said Bediako “makes Alabama a national championship contender” if he stays with the team.
The temporary restraining order forbids the NCAA from banning Alabama from March Madness. However, Pearl’s blunt take suggests significant frustration is growing in college basketball over Bediako’s complicated return decision.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.