Aden Holloway arrest, explained: Why Alabama star will not be available for the start of March Madness originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alabama will be a bit shorthanded to start its push for a first-ever national title.
Nate Oats’ side enjoyed another glistening campaign, securing its sixth-straight tournament berth. Star guard Aden Holloway played a major role in the Crimson Tide’s success, tallying 16.8 points and 3.8 assists a contest while cementing himself as one of the nation’s finest shooters.
He’s unlikely to be involved in the action when Alabama kicks off its tournament run, the result of an untimely arrest.
With that, here’s the latest on Holloway’s arrest and status for the 2026 NCAA tournament.
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Aden Holloway arrest details
The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Holloway’s Tuscaloosa apartment on March 15. They subsequently discovered 2.1 pounds of marijuana on his property.
It’s unclear what prompted the search warrant, according to ESPN. But he was arrested and charged with a Class C felony drug possession charge, “not for personal use.” Holloway was also booked for failure to affix a tax stamp.
Authorities reportedly found marijuana, a rolling tray, the prescription sedative promethazine, and cash at the scene. Holloway’s attorney, Jason Neff, told ESPN that his client was cited after police stopped him for reckless driving and discovered a small amount of marijuana in his vehicle. Neff said he does not believe the two incidents are related.
Neff also said the marijuana found in Holloway’s residence was for personal use only. Holloway will need to have his campus ban reversed to return to play. Alabama is currently on spring break, so a potential hearing between Neff and the school might not take place until next week.
Holloway’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for six weeks from now. It is unclear when court proceedings will conclude; Neff said the case could take more than a year to reach a resolution.
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Aden Holloway charges
Holloway faces charges of Class C felony drug possession and failure to affix a tax stamp. Both charges are felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 10 years and $15,000 fine. Holloway posted $5,000 bail, securing his release shortly after his arrest.
Will Aden Holloway play in March Madness?
Holloway was “removed from campus” and is not with the team. Head coach Nate Oats said the Crimson Tide are preparing to be without Holloway when they take on Hofstra in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Holloway is currently under a campus ban, limiting his contact with his team. It’s believed that he’ll need his campus ban lifted first before he can return to floor. Neff said it could take him up to a week to meet with school officials.
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Aden Holloway NIL deal
The specific terms of Holloway’s name, image and likeness (NIL) deal is unknown. However, he ranks inside the top-100 in On3’s college basketball NIL evaluations, suggesting he fielded a a decent contract ahead of his arrival in Tuscaloosa.
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