There’s no shortage of tension between Texas A&M fans and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey - and that’s putting it mildly. Ever since Sankey greenlit the move that brought Texas and Oklahoma into the SEC, a decision that reportedly went against what A&M believed was a firm promise, the relationship has been, let’s say, frosty.
But in a surprising twist, Sankey may have just made a move that Aggies fans can rally behind - and it could have real implications for their basketball season.
The Bediako Controversy: A Flashpoint in College Hoops
Enter Charles Bediako, the Alabama big man whose eligibility has become one of the most talked-about issues in college basketball this season. After spending three years in the G-League, Bediako returned to the college ranks and rejoined Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide squad.
That alone raised eyebrows across the sport. For many, it blurred the already fragile line between amateurism and professional play - and for some, it crossed that line entirely.
The SEC has seen its fair share of eligibility debates over the years, but this one hit differently. It wasn’t just fans or rival programs questioning the move - it was the league’s own commissioner stepping in.
Sankey’s Affidavit: Drawing a Line in the Sand
In a recent court filing tied to the NCAA’s case against Bediako, Greg Sankey submitted an affidavit that made his stance crystal clear: he’s backing the NCAA and its eligibility rules. That’s a notable development, especially considering Sankey’s role as commissioner of a conference that stands to benefit from Alabama’s success on the court.
Here’s the key quote from Sankey’s statement:
“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports…”
That’s not just legal language - that’s a message. Sankey is siding with structure, with precedent, and with the idea that programs playing by the rules shouldn’t be penalized while others bend or break them.
Why This Matters for Texas A&M
Now, here’s where it gets particularly interesting for the Aggies. If the NCAA wins this case and Bediako is ruled ineligible, any games he played in could be vacated. That includes Alabama’s recent matchup against Texas A&M.
To be clear, a vacated game isn’t the same as a forfeit - it wouldn’t go down as a win for the Aggies. But it would be erased from Alabama’s record, and that’s not nothing. In a season where every data point matters for NCAA tournament selection, removing a loss from A&M’s résumé - even unofficially - could help their case.
It’s also a broader win for programs like A&M that are trying to build within the system. If the rules are upheld and enforced consistently, it levels the playing field. And in a college sports landscape that’s shifting rapidly - with NIL, transfers, and now G-League returns all in play - that kind of consistency is more valuable than ever.
The Bigger Picture
Sankey’s move isn’t just about one player or one game. It’s a signal that even within a conference as competitive and cutthroat as the SEC, there’s still a line that shouldn’t be crossed. And by backing the NCAA here, he’s drawing that line in defense of the sport’s integrity - and, whether intentionally or not, giving Texas A&M a potential boost in the process.
In a year where the Aggies are fighting for every inch, that’s a development worth watching.