SEC's Sankey signs affidavit supporting NCAA in Bediako suit - ESPN

The eligibility case of Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako has taken a twist, with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey filing an affidavit emphatically arguing that not upholding NCAA eligibility rules «fuels disruption» on the college sports landscape.

In a court filing Thursday, one day before Bediako's injunction hearing, Sankey took a clear position against the courts granting the eligibility of an athlete at one of his league's marquee brands.

He stated clearly that the NCAA eligibility rules are «essential to the integrity of college sports» and that the courts uphold them in this case, all while not mentioning Alabama or Bediako by name.

«Inconsistent application of the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case — through court rulings or otherwise — fuels disruption in college sports,» Sankey said in the filing.

The filing comes at a time when two other SEC athletes — Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss — are in eligibility cases slated to be heard in court this month.

Bediako's case comes after a temporary restraining order in state court has allowed him to play four games for the Crimson Tide this season. (He's averaging 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds.) The ruling came after the NCAA explicitly ruled Bediako ineligible and called Alabama's actions to support his case «attempts to sidestep NCAA rules.»

The NCAA has consistently made clear in eligibility cases that go to court that it needs congressional help to «empower college sports to enforce our rules.»

In the affidavit, Sankey lays out why these eligibility cases matter on the landscape.

«Permitting former professional athletes to return to competition creates a competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness