Florida vs. Alabama: Tensions Rise Ahead of SEC Showdown Amid Bediako Controversy
Florida has a road test tonight at South Carolina, but let’s be honest-everyone’s eyes are on Sunday. That’s when the Gators head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama in a matchup that’s become about a whole lot more than just standings in the SEC. It’s turning into a flashpoint for one of the most controversial eligibility decisions we’ve seen in college basketball in a long time.
And Florida head coach Todd Golden isn’t biting his tongue.
The Bediako Situation: A G-League Detour and a Legal Loophole
At the center of the storm is Charles Bediako. The former Alabama big man played two seasons for the Crimson Tide before going undrafted and heading to the G-League.
He’s been there since 2023, logging pro minutes and cashing checks. Now, somehow, he’s back in a college uniform-again playing for Alabama.
Here’s how: a temporary restraining order from a judge-who also happens to be an Alabama booster-forced the NCAA to allow Bediako to suit up. That’s raised eyebrows across the sport, and not just because of the optics. It’s the precedent that has coaches and fans asking: what exactly are the eligibility rules anymore?
Normally, a player’s eligibility clock starts ticking once they enroll and play. If Bediako had stayed in school, last season would’ve been his fourth and final year. But because he left for the pros and then came back, the lines got blurry-and Alabama found a way to exploit that gray area.
Todd Golden Speaks Out
Golden didn’t mince words when he addressed the situation on his weekly radio show. He called out the process and questioned the fairness of it all:
“They were able to finagle the situation where they got a judge in Alabama who is actually a donor at Alabama to write a temporary restraining order to allow this guy to play games at Alabama. I think there’s a lot of people who aren’t necessarily happy about it and don’t necessarily agree with it.”
Golden’s frustration reflects a broader concern across the SEC-and the country-about how much influence legal intervention should have in college athletics. He didn’t stop there, calling for more accountability:
“With all this intervention from judges, there’s only so much the league can do, there’s only so much other member schools in the league can do. We just need some people to stand up and start taking a stand.”
Alabama’s Response: “We’ll Be Ready”
Alabama, for its part, isn’t shying away from the noise. After cruising past Missouri on Tuesday, guard Latrell Wrightsell addressed the upcoming Florida matchup with a pointed message:
“They called us out, so we’re gonna be ready for them on Sunday. Not much else to talk about.”
There’s definitely a target on Alabama’s back right now, and not just from Florida. Tennessee took a jab at the situation on social media after their win over the Tide, joking about Bediako’s G-League status. Meanwhile, fans have noticed that Bediako is still eligible to be voted into the G-League All-Star Game-while simultaneously playing NCAA basketball.
What Happens Next?
The Bediako case is more than just a quirky eligibility loophole-it’s a potential game-changer for how college basketball handles returning players. If this stands, what’s stopping any player who left early but didn’t burn all four years of eligibility from coming back? It’s not hard to imagine a world where former pros make surprise returns to the college hardwood.
For now, though, the focus shifts to Sunday. Florida vs.
Alabama was already going to be a big one in the SEC. But with this controversy looming large, it’s become must-watch TV.
Emotions are high, the stakes are higher, and both teams know exactly what’s at play.
Get your popcorn ready. This one’s personal.