Defending national champion Florida Gators head men’s basketball coach Todd Golden weighed in on the wild and controversial Charles Bediako situation this week after a temporary restraining order will allow the Alabama big man to return to the program after two full seasons in the NBA’s G-League.
In an episode of Gator Talk on Thursday evening, Golden talked about the absurdity of Bediako — who declared for the NBA draft nearly three years ago — being allowed to return to the college ranks. Instead of complaining about an unfair advantage though, he simply made a bold claim as to his belief in his team after explaining why he believes it is wrong for Bediako to play.
Todd Golden on the Charles Bediako situation:
“They were able to finagle it where they got a judge that’s actually an Alabama donor to write a temporary restraining order… We’re gonna beat them anyways. If he plays, we’ll beat them anyways.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/VHQb66zUil
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 23, 2026
“They were able to finagle the situation to where they got a judge in Alabama that is actually a donor to write a temporary restraining order to allow this guy to play games at Alabama,” Golden said. “We just need some people to stand up and start taking a stand. This guy had a great opportunity, he was at Alabama for two years, he played there, he was there during the NIL era, he was aware of what he was giving up by declaring to go to the draft…so I think this is a slippery slope.”
Golden was then asked about his team’s matchup with the Tide a week from Sunday on February 1 in Gainesville, and he did not hold back.
“We’re gonna beat them anyways,” he said when asked if it would be a distraction. “If he plays, we’ll beat them anyways.”
There is a chance Bediako may not even be eligible to play by next weekend given the fact his temporary restraining order only extends to the formal hearing on January 27. He is however eligible to play this weekend against Tennessee, and a game that was already going to be significant in SEC play just got a national spotlight put on it as well.
