Alabama
NCAA responds to Charles Bediako’s Alabama basketball eligibility lawsuit
On Tuesday, former Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, looking to return to the Crimson Tide. Bediako had been playing professional basketball in the G-League after entering the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was not selected by an NBA team.
Later on that day, the NCAA responded with a public statement about the lawsuit. The organization did not share Bediako’s way of thinking.
“The NCAA is aware of media reports about a lawsuit filed against the NCAA by Charles Bediako,” the NCAA wrote in a statement provided to AL.com. “Mr. Bediako signed three NBA contracts after competing in college for two seasons. The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract. Eligibility rules ensure high school students get a shot at earning scholarships, and we will continue to consistently apply and defend these rules.”
Bediako has signed a two-way contract in the G-League, something NCAA president Charlie Baker has said will make players ineligible to return. He is seeking both temporary and permanent injunctive relief in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court.
Even temporary relief would be enough to allow Bediako to play for the Crimson Tide this season. Alabama has struggled on the glass, and the center would likely be a major contributor in that area, as well as on defense, for Alabama.
The NCAA also pointed to a previous statement that UA head coach Nate Oats made on the idea of G-League players returning to college basketball.
“If they’re eligible and somebody else is going to get them, I wouldn’t say that I’d be one of the guys that was necessarily for it to begin with,” Oats said on SiriusXM’s SEC This Morning show. “Because I think it’s taking away opportunities from kids coming out of high school. I was a high school coach for 11 years. I wanted my kids to get opportunities when they left my program. This is taking opportunities away from those kids. “But on a competitive level, if it’s allowable, and they’re going to be eligible to play and they’re the better players that you can get, then you probably have to go after them.”
The organization also noted that it has had some success defending eligibility lawsuits, claiming that, out of 52 filed eligibility suits, 26 preliminary injunctions have been denied, while 10 have been granted. The NCAA said eight cases are still pending and eight others were dismissed voluntarily.
Alabama plays Tennessee Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama football took a step forward at the tight end position in 2025.
It may have not been the most exciting, but production was consistent, especially from the now departed Josh Cuevas.
What’s next for the Crimson Tide at tight end? Here are three questions that could define Alabama’s tight ends in 2026.
Can Kaleb Edwards match Josh Cuevas Alabama football production?
Cuevas was Ty Simpson and Alabama’s offensive safety net in 2025. Cuevas was a weapon where if a check down was needed, he caught it.
Kaleb Edwards had a preview of what that responsibility would look like in his first Iron Bowl, making the start for the injured Cuevas. In 60 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, he had two catches for 8 yards. Edwards’ production grew in the SEC championship against Georgia when he had three catches for 42 yards in 36 snaps, per PFF, a game Cuevas also missed.
With a new quarterback in either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell, a tight end with the reliability of Cuevas could be helpful when it comes to momentum and moving the ball downfield. Can Edwards be that answer the Crimson Tide needs?
What role will Josh Ford play with Alabama?
Josh Ford was an early addition to the tight end room via the NCAA transfer portal, joining the roster Dec. 16 after two seasons at Oklahoma State.
He fits the body type, standing at 6-foot-6, 267 pounds, a big-bodied mover who is widely expected to play an integral role in pass protection and run blocking.
While he may not be flashy, could Ford emerge as the cog that drives Alabama into success in the run game and in protecting either Mack or Russell?
Who is next in line after Kaleb Edwards in Alabama tight end room?
Edwards seems to be the pass-catching tight end of Alabama’s near future. But he’s not the only one in contention for reps.
Marshall Pritchett, who played a key role in Alabama’s special teams unit in 2025, is expected to take a step forward as a sophomore. Even Mack Sutter, the four-star freshman out of Dunlap, Illinois, has the pass catching skills to make an immediate impact as a receiver, even if the blocking skills need to be developed.
Edwards may be at the front of the line. But tight end production isn’t all on him once the season kicks off.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
Alabama
Governor Ivey Taps Glenda Allred as New Tourism Director, Announces Lee Sentell’s Retirement –
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the retirement of Lee Sentell, Alabama’s longest-serving Tourism Director. Governor Bob Riley originally appointed Sentell in 2003.
“Since Lee began serving at the Department of Tourism, we have grown the state’s tourism revenue from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion. Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions,” said Governor Ivey. “From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”
Under his leadership, the Department has pioneered yearly campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury award six times in 12 years.
“Alabama is a special state, and I have been so proud to show people all over our country and around the world all that we have to offer,” said Sentell. “Leading the state’s tourism efforts for more than two decades and serving under Governor Ivey has been the honor of my life. I look forward to Alabama’s continued growth in the years ahead.”
The Department’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, becoming the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored. Most recently, Tourism helped execute Governor Ivey’s America 250 Alabama Celebration on the front steps of the Alabama State Capitol where she unveiled a massive special 250 edition of the U.S. flag.
Governor Ivey also announced she is appointing Glenda Allred to lead Tourism for the remainder of the Ivey Administration. She comes to the post from serving as Deputy State Treasurer in Treasurer Young Boozer’s Office. Glenda began state service in 2011.
“I am excited to have Glenda joining the Ivey Administration to lead our state’s tourism efforts. Before working in the executive branch, she had nearly two decades of private sector experience that included marketing and media relations,” said Governor Ivey. “Glenda will be a fantastic addition to our team as we finish strong these next six months. Alabama has a lot left to tell, and I know we can continue doing that with Glenda’s leadership.”
Allred spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.
“I am honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Allred. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to advance our shared mission of improving the lives of the people of our state and all those who visit!”
She is a 1991 Huntingdon College graduate and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Allred’s appointment is effective Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
An official headshot of Glenda Allred is attached.
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