Count former Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl among those who have a problem with the Alabama Crimson Tide playing former G-Leaguer Charles Bediako in the lineup over the last couple of weeks.
During an appearance with Dan Dakich of OutKick, Pearl was asked directly if Alabama should face a tournament ban for bringing back their former standout center to the team after two year’s in the NBA’s minor league system, and while he did not outright call for it, he did say it should be considered.
Should Bama be banned from the Tournament for playing Charles Bediako? @dandakich & @coachbrucepearl discuss pic.twitter.com/gSFXmjvHFP
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 31, 2026
“I think they should consider it, I think it’s something that should be talked about,” Pearl said of a possible tournament ban while acknowledging he is aware of how that stance sounds coming from the former head coach of a hated rival. “This has nothing to do with Auburn and Alabama’s rivalry.”
Pearl went on to cite the fact that he was fired at Tennessee after an NCAA investigation revealed he was not being truthful with regards to hosting recruits for a barbecue at his home, something which obviously would not even be a violation in today’s day and age of college sports.
In his mind, Pearl believes that had he taken the NCAA to court, he may have been successful, but he instead accepted the findings from the governing body of collegiate athletics while Alabama and Bediako have obviously made this a legal matter.
Of course, this comparison from Pearl completely ignores the fact that it is a different day and age in college sports, and things that were major infractions previously are no longer even punishable.
“The NCAA said no he’s not eligible,” Pearl said. “So when we don’t like the ruling, what do we do? We go to court and we get an injunction.”
It should be noted that through the temporary restraining order which is allowing Bediako to play, Alabama is not supposed to face any punishment even if he were to lose his hearing this week which will determine whether or not he’s eligible for the remainder of the season.
Pearl does make an interesting point however in essentially arguing that the only way to get the endless series of litigation and nonsense to end in college sports today is to take a stand and make an example out of someone. However, as former European pros litter nation across numerous teams, the argument from Nate Oats and Alabama is clear: Bediako should not be seen differently.
Of course, this ironically would lead to even more litigation as Alabama would vigorously fight any punishment, and the cycle would continue.
After a delay last week, Bediako’s hearing is set to be held this Friday, one day before the Crimson Tide takes a trip to Neville Arena to face Auburn. Whether the big man is on the court or not remains to be seen, but Pearl has certainly made his stance on the matter clear.
