Alabama's big man will learn his fate this week.
Dick Vitale on Charles Bediako: 'Can't blame a coach wanting to play him' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The college basketball world is torn on Alabama's fight to keep Charles Bediako on the court. Legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale was the latest to weigh in on the burning topic. He opened up Sunday on the ongoing eligibility controversy surrounding Bediako, offering his take during an ABC broadcast of SEC action between No. 19 Florida and No. 23 Alabama.
Vitale was calling the game alongside ESPN colleagues Jimmy Dykes and Karl Ravech, and addressed the tension between NCAA rules and the court system after Bediako was allowed to play while his legal challenge remains unresolved.
“The bottom line is, you have a rule book, and the rule book says, according to the rules of the NCAA, he is ineligible,” Vitale said during the first half via On3 . “However, the court system said, ‘No, he can play.’ And you can’t blame a coach when a judge says you can play a 7-footer.”
Bediako is playing under a temporary restraining order granted Jan. 20, with an injunction hearing scheduled for February 6 in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.
The NCAA previously ruled the 23-year-old ineligible after he entered the 2023 NBA Draft and signed multiple contracts while playing in the G League. After going undrafted, Bediako signed deals with the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets
Vitale noted the NCAA did not have the opportunity to present its full legal case before the initial ruling. That's been the same argument by several analysts. Also, former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl took it a step further and said Alabama should be banned from the postseason.
Entering Sunday, Bediako is averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in two games since returning to Alabama.
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Category: General Sports
