Alabama head coach Nate Oats has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and this week, he found himself right in the middle of it. Following pointed comments from Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Samford’s Bucky McMillan regarding Charles Bediako’s eligibility saga, Oats finally addressed the situation-and did so in a way that was both composed and unmistakably Oats.
“Good thing I read my Bible every morning,” Oats said when asked about the criticism. “Because I just read in James about how to respond in certain situations like this. You respond in love.”
It was a calm, measured response to a situation that’s been anything but. For those just catching up, Bediako-who had returned to college basketball after a stint playing professionally-was recently ruled ineligible for the remainder of the season by a judge. That decision sparked a wave of reactions across the college basketball landscape, none louder than those from Pearl and McMillan, both of whom didn’t hold back in voicing their displeasure.
While Oats didn’t directly fire back, his words carried weight. The reference to scripture wasn’t just a deflection-it was a clear signal that he’s choosing to take the high road in a moment that could’ve easily turned contentious. And make no mistake, there’s plenty of frustration simmering beneath the surface of this situation.
Despite the ruling, Oats confirmed that Bediako has continued to practice with the team. While he won’t be suiting up for game action, his presence around the program remains intact.
For Alabama, that’s significant. Bediako brings veteran experience and leadership, even if he can’t contribute on the court.
As for Pearl, his comments earlier in the week made headlines of their own. He didn’t mince words when discussing the Bediako situation, signaling that he believed there were missteps in how it was handled. The back-and-forth has added an extra layer of tension to an already heated in-state rivalry.
But Oats, for now, is keeping things steady. His approach-grounded, confident, and focused on his team-reflects the culture he’s built in Tuscaloosa.
He’s not getting dragged into a war of words. Instead, he’s leaning on his principles and keeping the focus on what’s next for his program.
The Bediako ruling may have closed one chapter, but the conversation around it is far from over. With SEC play heating up and postseason implications looming, the ripple effects of this situation could still be felt in the weeks to come. For now, though, Oats is keeping his eyes on the court and his team locked in-exactly where he wants them.