Alabama G Aden Holloway granted court injunction to travel

Holloway faces felony drug charges but will be allowed to join team for Sweet 16 game against Michigan.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Alabama guard Aden Holloway was granted permission by a Tuscaloosa district court judge to travel out of state while facing felony drug charges, allowing him to potentially join the team for their NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan. However, the university's athletics department stated that 'nothing has changed with regard to Aden's status with the team', and he is currently listed as 'out' for Friday's game.

Why it matters

Holloway's legal situation and potential availability for the game raises questions about player eligibility and conduct policies in high-stakes NCAA tournament play, as well as the challenges schools face in balancing legal proceedings with athletic competition.

The details

Holloway, 21, was arrested on March 16 for felony drug possession after a police search of his apartment yielded 2.1 pounds of marijuana, just shy of the amount that would trigger a drug trafficking charge under Alabama law. He was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana (not for personal use), a Class C felony, as well as failure to affix a tax stamp. As a condition of his bail, Holloway was required to request permission to leave the state of Alabama, which he did to travel to Chicago for Friday's game.

  • Holloway was arrested on March 16.
  • Alabama faces Michigan in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 29.

The players

Aden Holloway

A 21-year-old junior guard for the University of Alabama basketball team who was arrested on felony drug charges and suspended indefinitely from the team, but was granted a court injunction to travel out of state for the NCAA Tournament.

University of Alabama

The school that Aden Holloway plays basketball for, which has stated that 'nothing has changed with regard to Aden's status with the team' despite the court injunction allowing him to travel.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing has changed with regard to Aden's status with the team.”

— University of Alabama Athletics Department

What’s next

If Alabama makes it past Michigan, the Crimson Tide would play either Tennessee or Iowa State in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues schools face in balancing legal proceedings, player conduct policies, and high-stakes athletic competition, especially in the NCAA Tournament where roster availability is closely scrutinized.