Bruce Pearl wants NCAA to ban one team from 2026 NCAA Tournament
Bruce Pearl wants NCAA to ban one team from 2026 NCAA Tournament originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bruce Pearl believes Alabama’s postseason fate should be up for discussion.
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The former Auburn coach said this week that the NCAA should consider banning Alabama from the 2026 NCAA Tournament following the controversial return of forward Charles Bediako.
The Tide player declared for the 2023 NBA draft and spent three seasons in the G League, seemingly ending his college career. However, he filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking to regain eligibility.
A Tuscaloosa Circuit Court judge granted a temporary restraining order, allowing Bediako to play while a hearing on an injunction is pending. Since returning, Bediako has scored 27 points over Alabama’s last two games.
Pearl said Alabama’s decision to challenge the NCAA’s ruling in court crossed a line.
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“I think they should consider it,” Pearl told OutKick about a potential tournament ban. “I think it’s something that should be talked about.”
Alabama’s argument is that American players who turn professional are treated differently than European prospects, but said the NCAA had already ruled Bediako ineligible.
“When we don’t like the ruling, what do we do?” Pearl said. “We go to court and get an injunction.”
Frustration across the SEC continues to grow, and the situation has become a talking point over eligibility enforcement. If the NCAA does not assert clarity soon, questions about competitive fairness could become huge into March.
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