The University of Alabama has released a statement in response to star guard Aden Holloway's arrest and charges on two felony counts of possession of marijuana not for personal use and failure to affix a tax stamp.
While Holloway's future with the basketball team remains up in the air, the University's statement says he has been "removed from campus" for the time being:
"The University is aware of the allegations and is working to gather more information," the statement reads. "The student has been removed from campus pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct."
Holloway was arrested on Monday morning after a raid on his apartment uncovered over a pound of marijuana. The "not for personal use" addendum means intent to distribute, which is a Class-C Felony in the State of Alabama. The failure to affix a tax stamp is also a felony.
Aden Holloway has been 'removed from campus' amid felony allegations
This news seems to put Holloway's future with the basketball team in serious jeopardy, at least in the immediate future. Unless something changes quickly, it's likely that Holloway is at least done for the season, and his future with the team and the University could be determined by what comes of the charges.
Alabama is set to open the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon in Tampa against 13-seeded Hofstra in the opening round of the Midwest Region. If Alabama wins, it will play again on Sunday against either 5-seeded Texas Tech or 12-seeded Akron.
Nate Oats said on Monday during his "Hey Coach" Radio show that Holloway was suspended pending the outcome of the University's investigation, and Alabama was "planning to play without him" this weekend in Tampa.
Holloway would be a significant loss for the Crimson Tide. He is Alabama's 2nd leading scorer and leading three-point shooter. The junior guard has averaged 16.8 points per game and is shooting 43.8% from three on six attempts per game.
No Holloway would mean it's unlikely that Alabama would be able to make a deep NCAA Tournament run, and any dream of a potential Sweet 16 upset of Michigan would likely be completely out the window. It would also put in serious doubt the team's ability to get out of the opening weekend, something Nate Oats has led them out of in the last three NCAA Tournaments.