Alabama guard Aden Holloway begins 5-game suspension following drug arrest

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama guard Aden Holloway is set to undergo a five-game suspension after being arrested for a drug charge, according to coach Nate Oats. The five-game ban includes three exhibition games and two regular-season games. The athlete was arrested on March 16, just days before the NCAA Tournament, following the discovery of 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his Tuscaloosa apartment.

Holloway faces charges of first-degree marijuana possession and failure to affix a tax stamp. These charges were dismissed after he completed a pretrial diversion program.

During his suspension, Holloway served the first game on Thursday, missing Alabama's 111-93 win over Furman. He will also miss exhibition games against Mississippi and Auburn, as well as regular-season matches against Sam Houston State and Arkansas State. He is expected to return to action on November 9 against Oakland.

The suspension was decided before Alabama's backcourt was affected by injuries. Anderson Diaz and Preston Murphy Jr. missed Thursday's exhibition due to upper-body injuries, while Jaxon Richardson was sidelined by an illness. Amari Allen led the team with 19 points and six assists during this period. Oats expressed relief at the conclusion of the punishment, stating that Holloway has given his best effort during his return and getting the charges dropped.