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    “I think it was selfish”: Bruce Pearl goes nuclear on Nate Oats for playing Charles Bediako after NCAA slams harsh ruling on NBA G-league player

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    Charles Bediako’s college basketball career might be over. On Monday, a Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge denied him an injunction in his eligibility case against the NCAA.

    Former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl had strong words for Alabama head coach Nate Oats. Pearl, now a college basketball analyst for TNT, discussed the ruling in a segment on the network.

    “Nate said he’d play (Bediako) a 100 times again. What that tells me is that Nate doesn’t really care about the SEC; he doesn’t care about the NCAA. And it’s fine, you are just going to care about your student-athletes, that’s fine.

    “But you’re a member of this conference, and you’re a member of the NCAA. What about the rest of the teams, what about the rest of the players? Why should those five teams have to play against an ineligible player? I think it was selfish, and I think it was wrong.”

    Bediako’s case has resulted in numerous think pieces since the turn of the year. The Crimson Tide featured in five games between January 24 and February 7. He averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, helping his team to a 3-2 record within the span.

    Following the criticism, Oats has stood firm in having zero regrets for playing Bediako. He added that he’ll do so again if presented with a similar situation.

    “100%. There was an opportunity to help one of our former players out.” Oats told the press.

    Charles Bediako is weighing his options

    Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Daniel F. Pruet ruled that Charles Bediako did not have a “reasonable expectation” he would be allowed to return to college basketball. The judge added that no other player had been granted eligibility under such circumstances.

    Charles Bediako’s attorney, Darren Heitner, is unfazed by the ruling. According to him, his client is weighing his “options” for a potential appeal.

    “We are currently working through all options,” Heitner told ESPN on Tuesday following the ruling.

    Now, Bediako must appeal Monday’s ruling to the Supreme Court of Alabama if he’s looking to make another push to extend his second spell with the Crimson Tide. His first ended when he declared for the 2023 NBA draft.

    Charles Bediako spent time in the G-league with the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold and Motor City Cruise. However, he’s yet to feature in the NBA. He’s looking to make an impression at Alabama and potentially take a bigger step in professional basketball.