‘G League Dropout!’ Crowd Starts Brutal Chant for Opposing Player Who Was Allowed to Leave NBA to Go Back to College

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A University of Florida basketball crowd started a brutal chant for an opposing player who returned to college after an unsuccessful stint in the NBA.

During Sunday’s game between the Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide, Alabama center Charles Bediako was at the free throw line when the chant rang out across the gym. As he prepared to shoot, the crowd’s criticism of the 23-year-old was loud and clear, as “G League dropout!” could be heard on the TV broadcast.

Bediako is one of several players who have recently pushed the boundaries of NCAA eligibility. The center played two season at Alabama before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2023. Although he wasn’t drafted, Bediako played on the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League team before signing a contract to play for the Austin Spurs — San Antonio’s G League affiliate. At one point, his deal was converted to a two-way contract that allowed him to suit up for both the NBA team and the G League team. After an injury ended his time with the Spurs, however, Bediako bounced around to multiple other teams. He never saw any NBA action.

Thanks to current eligibility rules in the NCAA, Bediako has argued that he should able to return to Alabama to continue his college career. At the time of writing, the rules stated a player could return to college athletics if they maintain “amateur status.” Because Bediako was within five years removed from high school, and never signed a full-time NBA contract, he could still be considered an amateur.

The NCAA initially ruled him ineligible to return due to his experience in the G League. In response, Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA. A judge granted Bediako a temporary restraining order allowing him to play.

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