Authorities reportedly found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in the apartment of Alabama star basketball player Aden Holloway, according to documents obtained by ESPN on Tuesday. Charging documents state that police discovered marijuana in multiple locations within Holloway’s residence, along with cash, a prescription sedative, a rolling tray, and packaging materials during their search.
Holloway, 21, was arrested Monday following the search. He faces charges of first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp. In Alabama, first-degree possession of marijuana is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison and a $15,000 fine.
Charging documents obtained by ESPN provide a detailed account of Holloway’s arrest, including a list of items found during the search.
According to the documents, the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at Holloway's apartment and found marijuana in a backpack, a jacket pocket, a suitcase, a TV entertainment stand, and a vacuum-sealed bag. They also discovered cash, the prescription sedative promethazine, a rolling tray, and packaging materials.
These items were found in just one room.
Additional marijuana was found in other areas of Holloway’s residence, according to the documents.
The amount of marijuana found is significant, as possession of 2.2 pounds or more in Alabama can lead to drug-trafficking charges.
Holloway may also face an additional charge for possessing promethazine, a sedative, without a prescription.
Authorities have not disclosed the reason for the initial search.
The charging documents suggest that Holloway may have possessed the marijuana for purposes other than personal use, according to ESPN.
Specifically, the documents state that Holloway was believed to have "marijuana for other than personal use" and "did possess, distribute, sell, transport, import, transfer or otherwise use a controlled substance, to wit: marijuana, on which a tax had not been imposed."
Holloway reportedly invoked his Miranda rights and remained silent during the search but allegedly told authorities he "only smokes."
Following the arrest, Alabama removed Holloway from campus. Men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats announced Holloway’s suspension pending an investigation by the University of Alabama student-conduct office. Oats expressed disappointment but emphasized the team’s commitment to supporting Holloway, stating they want to "get [Holloway] the help that he needs, and we’re going to continue to help him whatever way we can."
While Oats did not explicitly confirm Holloway would miss the NCAA tournament, he implied it, telling the team Monday that they can win games "with guys not available," according to ESPN.
Holloway was released from Tuscaloosa County jail early Monday morning on a $5,000 bond.
Alabama, seeded No. 4, is scheduled to face No. 13 Hofstra in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday and will likely play without Holloway, the team’s second-leading scorer this season.
