Alabama to Open March Madness Without Star Player Aden Holloway After Marijuana Arrest

Crimson Tide's second-leading scorer suspended pending conduct investigation

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:34am

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Alabama's men's basketball team will be without star player Aden Holloway for their NCAA Tournament opener against Hofstra after he was arrested on Monday for possession of marijuana. Holloway, who is averaging 16.8 points per game this season, has been suspended from the team pending an investigation by the university's Office of Student Conduct.

Why it matters

Holloway's absence is a major blow to Alabama's chances in the NCAA Tournament, as he is the team's second-leading scorer and a key contributor. His arrest and suspension raise questions about player discipline and accountability within the program, as well as the challenges student-athletes can face with off-court issues.

The details

Holloway was arrested on Monday morning after agents from the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force found more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia, and cash in a residence near the Tuscaloosa campus. He has been charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, which is a Class C felony in Alabama that can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a $15,000 fine.

  • Holloway was arrested on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • Alabama is set to face Hofstra in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Aden Holloway

Alabama's second-leading scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game this season.

Nate Oats

Head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team.

West Alabama Narcotics Task Force

The law enforcement agency that conducted the search and made the arrest.

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What they’re saying

“We've got standards in our program and we've got ways we've held our guy accountable and we try to keep things in-house, and some of the situations we can't — and this is one of those.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Men's Basketball

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Aden Holloway to be released on bail pending the investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct.

The takeaway

Holloway's arrest and suspension highlight the challenges student-athletes can face with off-court issues and the importance of maintaining discipline and accountability within college sports programs. Alabama must now prepare for the NCAA Tournament without one of its key players, which could significantly impact their chances of advancing deep into the tournament.