Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge James Roberts has stepped aside from the high-profile Charles Bediako eligibility case after the NCAA requested his recusal, citing concerns over “external circumstances that could give the appearance of partiality.” Roberts, a known University of Alabama donor, had previously issued a temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to continue playing while challenging the NCAA’s ineligibility ruling.
NCAA Cites Roberts’ Alabama Ties While Bediako’s Team Supports Fair Judicial Process
The NCAA filed its motion late Monday, highlighting media reports and social media commentary that questioned Roberts’ impartiality due to his financial and family connections to Alabama athletics. The motion included screenshots from Reddit discussions and media headlines pointing to Roberts and his wife, Mary Turner Roberts, as significant donors. According to the Crimson Tide Foundation, the Robertses are “Circle” level donors, contributing between $100,000–$249,999. Mary Turner Roberts is also representing former Alabama player Darius Miles in a separate capital murder case.
Charles Bediako (NBA)Bediako’s legal team indicated it would not oppose the recusal request, emphasizing that they had full confidence in Roberts’ fairness but recognized the NCAA’s concerns. “To be clear, Mr. Bediako fully expects to prevail in this litigation,” his counsel wrote. “But … neither Mr. Bediako nor his counsel have any doubt that this Court would preside over the present matter with anything other than fairness and impartiality.”
Bediako Returns to Alabama Court as Judge Recusal Shifts Case Proceedings Forward
Roberts had previously extended the temporary restraining order for 10 days after a scheduled injunction hearing was postponed because an NCAA attorney was unavailable. The 23-year-old Bediako had been ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to his participation in the 2023 NBA Draft and signing a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
On the court, Bediako has made an immediate impact since returning to Alabama. In just two games, he is averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game, including 14 points and six rebounds in a 90-64 home victory over Missouri. With the restraining order extended, he is expected to play in Alabama’s upcoming games at No. 19 Florida on Saturday and against Texas A&M on February 4.
With Roberts recused, a new Tuscaloosa County judge will be assigned to the case, responsible for rescheduling the pending injunction hearing and overseeing the next stage of Bediako’s legal challenge against the NCAA. The case continues to draw attention both on and off the court as Bediako balances his eligibility fight with his role on Alabama’s team.
