Auburn fans restart 'G-leage dropout' chat at Charles Bediako, Dick Vitale reacts

Florida fans potentially started a trend on Sunday when it comes to Alabama center Charles Bediako. Auburn certainly adopted it with the Iron Bowl of Basketball in town, as Bediako was serenaded with a chant. “G-League dropout” is what opposing fans are chanting whenever Bediako becomes an important part of the game.

So when Bediako went to the free-throw line after a made basket, the term came raining down throughout Neville Arena. Enough to become a talking point on the broadcast. Analyst Dick Vitale was not a fan of hearing it.

“Don’t need that,” Vitale said as Bediako was at the line. “Don’t need it, man. Don’t need it, man.”

Auburn fans chanted "G-League drop out" at former NBA player Charles Bediako. pic.twitter.com/d7vbz8ZE4B

— ESPN (@espn) February 7, 2026

Whether or not Vitale likes the chants, they are likely to continue. Bediako continues to be the main storyline in college basketball, at least off the court. Friday brought a hear to determine if he would be eligible moving forward. At the time of posting, no decision has been made, meaning he can play against Auburn.

So until Bediako is no longer with the team, chants are going to continue. Alabama hits the road again on Wednesday to face off against Ole Miss. While Auburn fans are going to be ready to go after their in-state rivals in any way possible, you have to imagine people in Oxford will do the same.

Dick Vitale speaks out against Charles Bediako situation again

ESPN analyst Dick Vitale has been outspoken about Bediako’s eligibility considering he played in an NBA G-League game last month. During Saturday’s broadcast, he doubled down on his stance when asked about the situation.

Vitale stressed the need to abide by the NCAA’s rules, which the association reaffirmed meant no eligibility for anyone who signed a two-way contract. But he noted the landmark affidavit filed by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey in support of the NCAA, which Vitale said could be key in the case.

“I think you’ve got to go by the book,” Vitale said. “And the book says very, very black-and-white that you sign a two-way contract, you play in the G-League, you’re not eligible. It’s as simple as that.

“I think the one thing that’s going to help the NCAA in their battle is they’ve got the enforcement of Greg Sankey, the commissioner. I think the fact that he jumped in said we don’t need guys that signed with NBA teams in our league.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report