Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Aden Holloway, a key guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball, has been arrested on a felony drug charge just days before the start of the NCAA Tournament.
According to authorities, Holloway, 21, was taken into custody on Monday after agents from the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force searched a residence near the university campus. During the search, officials recovered more than a pound of marijuana, along with paraphernalia and cash.
He has been charged with first-degree marijuana possession, not for personal use, which is classified as a Class C felony. He also faces a charge for failure to affix a tax stamp. The possession charge could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
Holloway was taken to a local jail shortly before 10 a.m. and released less than an hour later after posting a $5,000 bond. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
Head coach Nate Oats confirmed that Holloway has been suspended indefinitely. The university has also removed him from campus while the Office of Student Conduct carries out its investigation.
“We’re disappointed in his behavior, but we will continue to support him and help him through this situation,” Oats said.
Holloway is currently in his second season with Alabama and has been one of the team’s top performers. He is averaging 16.8 points per game and leads the team in 3-point shooting with a 43.1% success rate. He has started 27 of the 28 games he has played this season.
Alabama now faces a major setback ahead of the tournament, with the team reduced to nine scholarship players. The Crimson Tide, who hold a 23-9 record and a No. 4 seed, are set to face Hofstra in the opening round in Tampa, Florida.
With Holloway unavailable, players like Houston Mallette and Taylor Bol Bowen are expected to step into larger roles as Alabama prepares for its tournament opener.
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