Auburn’s Steven Pearl Shows Heart-and Honesty-Ahead of Rivalry Clash with Alabama
The Iron Bowl of basketball is back this weekend, and it’s packing more heat than usual. Auburn and Alabama-two programs with no love lost between them-are set to square off at Neville Arena in a game that carries major SEC implications.
Auburn, sitting at 14-8, is right in the thick of the conference race under first-year head coach Steven Pearl. Alabama, at 15-7, is coming off a statement win over Texas A&M and looking to keep its momentum rolling.
But amid the usual intensity that surrounds this rivalry, there’s an unexpected subplot that’s drawing attention-and a surprising show of empathy from one side of the rivalry.
That subplot? The eligibility battle surrounding Alabama center Charles Bediako.
Bediako, who returned to Alabama after a stint in the NBA G League, has appeared in the Crimson Tide’s last four games. He’s been a solid contributor-averaging 6.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in just under 20 minutes per game-and has started two of those contests. But his eligibility remains in limbo as he challenges the NCAA’s stance that he shouldn’t be allowed to play.
So far, Bediako has been able to suit up thanks to a temporary restraining order and a 10-day extension granted by the court. But that window may be closing. On Thursday, a Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge denied his legal team’s request to postpone a preliminary injunction hearing, meaning a final decision on his eligibility is expected Friday-just one day before tipoff against Auburn.
And that’s where Steven Pearl’s comments come in. The Auburn head coach didn’t dodge the issue. In fact, he leaned into it, offering a candid, compassionate take on Bediako’s situation-despite the fact that Bediako could play a major role in beating his Tigers on Saturday.
“I’ve probably spent too much time thinking about this, but I kind of feel for the kid in a way,” Pearl said Thursday. “What happens tomorrow if he gets denied?
What does he do? … I hope the decision-makers in that room have thought through that.
Because are we setting this kid up for failure by bringing him back?”
Pearl didn’t stop there. He even admitted he’s rooting for Bediako to be eligible, not just for the sake of the game, but for the player himself.
“I’m almost rooting for him to be able to play on Saturday,” Pearl said. “Because I don’t want him to be in a situation where he’s got to make some real difficult decisions if for some reason this new judge says, ‘No, you’re not allowed to play.’”
It’s a bold, human moment from a coach who knows exactly what’s at stake. Auburn and Alabama are both fighting for position in a crowded SEC field.
Every game matters. And Bediako, with his size and defensive presence, could absolutely be a difference-maker if he’s cleared to play.
Pearl knows that. And he also knows his comments might not sit well with every Auburn fan.
“Maybe Auburn fans will be upset with me for saying that,” he acknowledged. “But I don’t know, man. I feel for him a little bit, because I think he’s in a unique situation.”
This is the kind of thing that reminds you college basketball isn’t just about the wins and losses. It’s about the people involved-the players navigating eligibility, the coaches trying to balance competition with compassion, and the high-stakes decisions that can shape careers.
Saturday’s game between Auburn and Alabama will be intense, emotional, and likely full of drama. But thanks to Pearl’s comments, it’s also a reminder that even in the heart of a fierce rivalry, there’s room for empathy.