Bediako granted extra 10 days on temporary restraining order after hearing delay

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The Alabama men’s basketball program got some tremendous news on Monday evening — Charles Bediako will be available for at least the next two games.

A hearing was set for Tuesday to rule on Bediako’s eligibility after he was granted a temporary restraining order by a Tuscaloosa judge, however, an attorney for the NCAA was unable to travel due to inclement weather over the weekend, which prompted the extension.

“This matter came before the Court for virutal status conference on request of the parties due to Taylor Askew, attorney for the Defendant NCAA, located in Tennessee, being unable to attend the hearing set tomorrow because of the weather issues affecting the area in which he resides,” the extension said. “Present at the status conference were David Holt and Charles Malone on behalf of Plaintiff Bediako and Cason Kirby and Taylor Askew on behalf of Defendant NCAA.”

“After hearing arguments of counsel and upon the agreement of Defendant NCAA that there exists good cause to extend the Temporary Restraining Order based on counsel’s unavailability for the hearing set tomorrow, the Court finds that good cause does exist, and the Temporary Restraining Order is hereby extended for ten (10) days from the date of its natural expiration without objection.”

Bediako made headlines around the nation for returning to Tuscaloosa last week after two full seasons in the NBA’s G-League. He made his second Alabama debut over the weekend against Tennessee and played very well in a Crimson Tide loss, scoring 13 points with three rebounds in 25 minutes played.

The decision to extend the TRO guarantees Bediako’s ability to play against Missouri on Tuesday night, as well as Florida on Sunday afternoon.

Given recent court decisions that have favored athletes over the NCAA, Bediako will likely be allowed to remain eligible for the rest of the season.

As of now, there is no new hearing date set, but the extended TRO is now set to expire on February 7, the same day Alabama will hit the road for their first matchup against Auburn this season.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.