On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, CBS42 reported that Tuscaloosa Circuit Judge James Roberts recused himself from the Charles Bediako eligibility lawsuit. The reassignment of the case will be handled by Judge May, the next senior judge in the circuit.
This decision follows a motion filed by the NCAA, requesting Roberts’ recusal based on allegations of bias favoring the University of Alabama’s athletic programs. The NCAA’s motion highlighted Roberts’ status as a donor to Alabama athletics, with alleged contributions reaching into the six-figure range.
Judge Roberts had recently extended a temporary restraining order for Bediako by ten days. The extension was granted after an attorney representing the NCAA was unable to attend a preliminary injunction hearing due to inclement weather conditions.
Charles Bediako was the starting center for the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022-23 season. During that season, the team secured the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Bediako’s performance during that season included an average of 6.4 points, 6 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. Following his college career, Bediako entered the 2023 NBA Draft but went undrafted. Since then, he has played for the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold, and Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League.
Source: CBS42
