03/17/26 07:08:00
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03/17 19:06 CDT Aden Holloway, Alabama's No. 2 scorer, had 2.1 pounds of
marijuana when arrested, authorities say
Aden Holloway, Alabama's No. 2 scorer, had 2.1 pounds of marijuana when
arrested, authorities say
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) --- Authorities found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in Alabama
basketball star Aden Holloway's apartment when they arrested him Monday,
according to court records released Tuesday --- just below the 2.2-pound
threshold for a drug trafficking charge.
Holloway, the No. 2 scorer for the fourth-seeded Crimson Tide, has been
suspended indefinitely and is away from the team as it prepares to play Hofstra
on Friday in the NCAA Tournament. Among the charges is a count of first-degree
marijuana possession, not for personal use, which is a Class C felony and
carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
Holloway's attorney, Jason Neff, did not immediately respond to a request for
comment from The Associated Press. But he told ESPN that there is no proof his
client was selling the drugs.
Neff told the outlet that it could take 18 months for the case to make its way
through the Alabama courts, a process that would jeopardize Holloway's college
and possible NBA career.
"He has no criminal history," Neff said. "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."
Agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force said they knocked on the door
of an apartment in Tuscaloosa and were met by Holloway, according to a
statement by the arresting officer. After entering the residence, they found
"loose marijuana" and a vacuum-sealed bag of the drug in the living room, the
statement said.
In Holloway's bedroom, agents say they found more marijuana in a backpack in
the closet and also in a suitcase, and a rolling tray with marijuana on it
under in the bed. In a spare bedroom, they found a box of marijuana in the
closet, according to the court records.
"Holloway stated that he wanted to remain silent, but then stated that he only
smokes," according to the officer's statement.
The total weight of marijuana found in the apartment was 964 grams, "which is
approximately 2.1 pounds," it states. More than 2.2 pounds can result in a drug
trafficking charge under Alabama law.
Holloway was also charged with failure to affix a tax stamp and was released
from jail on a $5,000 bond shortly after his arrest. The university said in a
statement that he was "removed from campus pending further investigation by the
UA Office of Student Conduct."
Coach Nate Oats said Monday during his weekly radio show that the Crimson Tide
were preparing to play without Holloway in the opening round of the NCAA
Tournament on Friday in Tampa, Florida. Alabama is the No. 4 seed in the
Midwest Region.
"We've got standards in our program and ways we've held our guys accountable,"
Oats said.
"We're certainly disappointed in his behavior," the coach 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."
Holloway is in his second season at Alabama. He is averaging 16.8 points per
game and leads the Crimson Tide in 3-point shooting, hitting 43.1% from behind
the arc. Holloway has started 27 of 28 games that he's played this season.
Without him, Alabama (23-9) will be down to nine scholarship players in the
NCAA Tournament, where it is a No. 4 seed.
___
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