SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Backs NCAA Against Bediako

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has signed an affidavit in support of the NCAA in the lawsuit involving Alabama center Charles Bediako. Bediako has been with the team since January 24th after being granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA after spending three years in the NBA G-League.

“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 his affidavit, filed in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court.

Bediako requested a postponement for his preliminary injunction hearing on Wednesday, but the NCAA filed a motion opposing Bediako’s request. Tuscaloosa Judge Daniel Pruet denied the motion on Thursday morning, and Bediako’s hearing is set for Friday, February 6, at 9:30 a.m. The NCAA also filed a motion to dissolve Bediako’s temporary restraining order, which is currently allowing him to play for Alabama. There is not yet a ruling on dissolving Bediako’s temporary restraining order, which is set to expire before Alabama takes on the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. Bediako’s hearing remains scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 6, in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court.