College basketball standout Aden Holloway was arrested on Monday, March 16, in Tuscaloosa, just days before the Alabama men’s basketball team is scheduled to begin its NCAA tournament run.
According to ESPN, authorities say the junior guard is facing felony drug charges after investigators recovered more than a pound of marijuana during a search conducted near campus.
Tuscaloosa County officials confirmed that agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force executed a search at a residence close to the University of Alabama and discovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Police spokesperson Stephanie Taylor confirmed that Holloway was taken into custody and transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail. He has been charged with first-degree possession of marijuana not for personal use—a Class C felony—as well as failure to affix a tax stamp, a separate offense tied to Alabama’s drug taxation laws.
His bond was set at $5,000, and he was released at approximately 10:45 a.m. local time.
A spokesperson for Alabama men’s basketball has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Marijuana laws in Alabama remain among the strictest in the country. Recreational use is illegal, and while the state legalized medical cannabis in 2021 through the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act, access remains tightly controlled and limited to registered patients with qualifying medical conditions.
Possession for purposes beyond personal use can trigger felony charges, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
The timing of the arrest places a spotlight on Holloway’s status as Alabama prepares for postseason play. The Crimson Tide secured a No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA tournament and is scheduled to face Hofstra in Tampa, Florida, in the opening round.
Holloway has emerged as one of the key players for Alabama this season. The 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 16.8 points per game during the 2025–26 campaign, making him the Crimson Tide’s second-leading scorer.
Known for his perimeter shooting, he has connected on 44 percent of his three-point attempts and has helped fuel an Alabama offense ranked among the most efficient in the country.
Holloway most recently scored 18 points in Alabama’s loss to Ole Miss during the SEC tournament.