Alabama Basketball Player Aden Holloway Arrested on Marijuana Charges
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, authorities discovered 2.1 pounds of marijuana in the apartment of Aden Holloway, a prominent basketball player for the Alabama Crimson Tide, during his arrest on Monday. The amount found was just under the 2.2-pound limit that would have resulted in a drug trafficking charge, as per court documents released on Tuesday.
Holloway, the second-leading scorer for Alabama’s team, has been suspended indefinitely. This comes as the team readies for its upcoming NCAA Tournament match against Hofstra on Friday. Holloway faces a charge of first-degree marijuana possession, not intended for personal use, which is considered a Class C felony. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Jason Neff, Holloway’s attorney, has not issued a public comment to the Associated Press. However, in a statement to ESPN, Neff maintained that there is no evidence indicating Holloway was involved in drug sales. He highlighted the potential lengthy court process in Alabama, which could last up to 18 months, potentially impacting Holloway’s collegiate and future NBA career.
“He has no criminal history,” Neff emphasized. “If he were to plead out or even go to trial, the judge could give him probation. It is a felony. For a 21-year-old man trying to get through college and get to the NBA, a felony issue could be a major issue long term.”
The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force agents reported knocking on Holloway’s apartment door and being greeted by him. Inside, they found marijuana both in loose form and vacuum-sealed bags in the living room. Additional marijuana was discovered in Holloway’s bedroom, in a backpack, and a suitcase, as well as a rolling tray with marijuana under the bed. Another box of marijuana was located in a spare bedroom closet.
According to the arresting officer’s statement, Holloway initially expressed a desire to remain silent but later claimed, “he only smokes.” The total quantity of marijuana weighed 964 grams, equating to roughly 2.1 pounds.
Holloway also faces a charge for failing to affix a tax stamp. He was released on a $5,000 bond shortly after his arrest. The University of Alabama has stated that he has been “removed from campus pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct.”
Coach Nate Oats addressed the situation during his weekly radio show, noting that the team is preparing to compete in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round without Holloway. Alabama holds the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region and will face off against Hofstra in Tampa, Florida.
“We’ve got standards in our program and ways we’ve held our guys accountable,” Oats remarked. “We’re certainly disappointed in his behavior,” Oats added. “That being said, we still love him. He’s still our guy and we’re helping him get the help that he needs and we’re going to help him in any way that we can.”
Currently, Holloway is in his second season with Alabama. He averages 16.8 points per game and leads the team in 3-point shooting with a 43.1% success rate. Holloway has started in 27 of the 28 games he has participated in this season. With his absence, Alabama will have nine scholarship players available for the tournament.
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