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02/05 17:29 CST SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issues affidavit supporting NCAA
in Bediako eligibility case
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issues affidavit supporting NCAA in Bediako
eligibility case
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) --- Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey
released an affidavit backing the NCAA in its eligibility case against
Alabama's Charles Bediako, who is playing in the SEC for the Crimson Tide over
two years after signing an NBA two-way contract.
"I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged
in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the
educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for
current and future student-athletes,'' Sankey said in the affidavit.
Bediako played at Alabama from 2021-23 before entering the draft but going
unselected. Bediako never appeared in an NBA game, but he did play in the NBA G
League before suing the NCAA in hopes of having his college eligibility
reinstated.
Since being granted a temporary restraining order in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court
enabling him to play for Alabama, the 7-foot Bediako has appeared in four games
and has averaged 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds. An injunction hearing on
Bediako's case is set for Friday.
Bediako had filed the lawsuit after the NCAA had denied Alabama's appeal to
allow him to play for the Tide.
Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge James Roberts, who issued the temporary
restraining order, has since recused himself from the case. The NCAA had sought
this recusal while noting Roberts had made donations to the University of
Alabama.
Bediako is the first player with collegiate experience to sign an NBA contract
and return to college basketball. The court case could perhaps entice more
players with NBA experience to pursue a second stint in college.
"Permitting former professional athletes to return to competition creates a
competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness for current
student-athletes who have not pursued a professional sports career but instead
have maintained their commitment to the collegiate athletics model, fulfilling
the academic standards and participating actively in an educational community
while also participating in college sports," Sankey said in his affidavit.
"It is also unfair to college sports programs that have operated within the
existing framework for college athletics and thus have not sought to add former
professional athletes to their rosters."
Darren Heitner, a lawyer representing Bediako, noted on X that the NCAA has
waived eligibility rules regarding other former professional athletes. One of
the athletes he specified is Baylor's James Nnaji, who played professionally in
Europe for four years and was drafted in 2023 but never signed an NBA contract.
"These waivers demonstrate selective enforcement, undermining Sankey's
assertion that inconsistent application fuels disruption," Heitner said in his
X post. "Courts in similar cases have highlighted such inconsistencies as
evidence of arbitrary decision-making. Also, Sankey's reliance on outdated
principles of amateurism and academic integration is not aligned with the
current realities of college athletes and the proliferation of NIL deals.
"Furthermore, Sankey is a lay witness who can offer opinions based on personal
knowledge, but this affidavit is littered with conclusory statements that are
not tied to specific facts or data. Finally, Sankey is not only biased but has
a conflict of interest while serving in the role of SEC Commissioner."
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