Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge James Roberts has recused himself from the Charles Bediako case at Alabama, a source told Hoops HQ. The NCAA had petitioned for recusal following reports that Roberts was a six-figure donor to UA.
Last week, Bediako, a 7-foot center, was granted a temporary restraining order by Roberts that enabled him to join the Crimson Tide’s lineup immediately and barred the NCAA from “attempting to impose, suggesting or implying any penalties or sanctions” for him or the university.
Bediako, who declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and has suited up for three different G League teams over the past few seasons, had previously filed an appeal to the NCAA to allow him to return to Alabama, where he played from 2021-23. Upon denial, he sued the NCAA and received the TRO from Roberts a day later. Roberts is listed as a UA donor on The Crimson Tide Foundation’s official website, which prompted widespread scrutiny and led to the NCAA’s motion for recusal.
“The NCAA has faith in the judicial process and does not currently contend the Court has an actual bias, partiality, or prejudice,” the motion read. “Similarly, the NCAA does not allege that any actual bias motivated the Court’s granting of a temporary restraining order. Instead, the NCAA contends that proceeding in this Court has created an impermissible appearance of impropriety because of the intense media scrutiny and public speculation surrounding the Court’s relationship with the University of Alabama and its athletics programs and student-athletes.”
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On Tuesday, Bediako’s lawyers said that they did not oppose the NCAA’s motion. “Mr. Bediako fully expects to prevail in this litigation,” David W. Holt, one of Bediako’s attorneys, wrote. “The facts and law are on his side. But, whatever the ultimate outcome may be, whether in front of this Court or any other, someone, somewhere will allege impropriety in the result. That is not, and cannot, be the standard for judicial disqualification. Despite that, and despite having no concern regarding this Court’s impartiality, Mr. Bediako does not oppose the NCAA’s Motion for Recusal.”
Bediako has played two games for the Tide since the TRO was granted (it was extended by Roberts for an additional 10 days on Monday because a preliminary injunctive hearing scheduled for Tuesday had to be postponed due to weather). He is averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 21.5 minutes.
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