Alabama Guard Aden Holloway Arrested on Drug Charges Before NCAA Tournament

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama guard Aden Holloway was arrested Monday on felony drug charges just days before the start of the NCAA Tournament, officials said. Head coach Nate Oats announced Holloway has been suspended indefinitely, and the Crimson Tide are preparing to compete without him this week.

Details of the Arrest

Aden Holloway, 21, was arrested after a search by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force at a residence near the University of Alabama campus. The search reportedly uncovered more than a pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash, according to Tuscaloosa Police Department spokesperson Stephanie Taylor via CBS Sports.

Holloway faces charges of first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp, both felonies under Alabama law. First-degree possession of marijuana in Alabama is a Class C felony as reported by Yahoo Sports, carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Holloway was taken into custody Monday morning and released before 11 a.m. On a $5,000 bond according to CBS Sports.

University and Coach Response

The University of Alabama released a statement confirming they are aware of the allegations and are gathering more information. Holloway has been removed from campus pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct as reported by CBS Sports.

Coach Nate Oats addressed the situation on his weekly radio show, stating, “We’ve got standards in our program and ways we’ve held our guys accountable,” according to Heavy.com. He added that while disappointed, the team still supports Holloway and will provide him with necessary assistance.

Oats also noted that Alabama has started 13 different lineups this season, the most in his seven seasons as coach, and they will need to adjust again for the NCAA Tournament via CBS Sports.

Impact on the NCAA Tournament

Alabama (23-9) is a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament and is scheduled to face Hofstra in the opening round Friday in Tampa, Florida. The team is expected to be without Holloway for the game as CBS Sports reports.

Holloway is Alabama’s second-leading scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game, and leads the team in 3-point shooting, hitting 43.1% from behind the arc. He has started 27 of 28 games this season.

Oats expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, stating they have the depth to handle the situation according to CBS Sports. Potential replacements for Holloway include Houston Mallette or Taylor Bol Bowen.