Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer is keeping a close eye on a legal situation that could ripple far beyond the basketball court-and potentially shake up the landscape of college athletics.
The case centers around Charles Bediako, a 7-foot center who, after spending three years in the G-League, has returned to play college basketball for Alabama. That return was made possible by a temporary restraining order from a Tuscaloosa Circuit Court, allowing Bediako to suit up for the Crimson Tide despite having previously signed a professional contract.
It’s a development that’s raised eyebrows across college sports, especially in football circles, where eligibility rules have traditionally been far more rigid. If Bediako can return to the NCAA hardwood after going pro, what does that mean for football players who declare for the NFL Draft?
DeBoer, speaking from Mobile during Senior Bowl media availability, acknowledged the complexity of the issue-and the uncertainty it brings.
“I’ve kind of started processing that, but I don’t really know if I have the answer for that stuff,” DeBoer said. “That’s something that’s way beyond me.”
That’s a fair response from a coach who’s navigating a rapidly shifting college sports landscape. Between NIL, the transfer portal, and now legal challenges to long-standing eligibility rules, head coaches are being asked to juggle more than ever before. And while DeBoer didn’t offer a firm stance, he did recognize that Bediako’s case could set a precedent.
“I’m sure there will be some decisions and some examples that we’ll learn more of as people try to press the issue when it comes to the football side of things as related to that situation,” he added.
Bediako made his season debut against Tennessee and is expected to remain active for Alabama’s upcoming game at Florida on February 1. His eligibility was extended by another 10 days under the court order, which also allowed him to take the floor against Missouri.
Whether this is a one-off legal exception or the start of a broader shift in how the NCAA handles professional returns remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Bediako’s case is more than just a basketball story. It’s a test case that could challenge the boundaries of amateurism-and college football is watching closely.