Prosecutors allege drug transactions on Alabama guard Aden Holloway’s phone
Alabama basketball guard Aden Holloway is facing allegations of drug transactions after prosecutors claimed to have found evidence on his phone following a felony drug arrest.
The Crimson Tide’s second-leading scorer was removed from campus and suspended from the team after police discovered 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his apartment on Monday.
As a result of the suspension, the 20-year-old missed Alabama’s 90-70 victory over Hofstra in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday.
Phone records and seized cash
Documents obtained by ESPN reveal that an officer with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force found text messages indicating future narcotics sales after seizing $400 in cash from a jacket.
The suspended player reportedly told law enforcement that the marijuana was strictly for personal use and had been procured from out of state.
However, prosecutors filed a complaint stating that the varying packaging methods, alongside the smaller cash denominations, are indicative of an intent to distribute.
“The money is being seized due to seeing drug transactions on Holloway’s phone, with people texting that they were going to get up with him after the season.”
Defence claims constitutional violation
The search of the apartment was initiated after officers conducted a “trash pull” at his residence following unspecified complaints, finding marijuana paraphernalia attached to containers bearing his name.
Jason Neff, the attorney representing the athlete, has stated that law enforcement violated his client’s constitutional rights by using the discarded rubbish as probable cause.
The defence team intends to file a motion to suppress the evidence, citing a breach of the Fourth Amendment which protects American citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
“In review of the probable cause, once this case moves forward, we would challenge the basis of the search with a motion to suppress evidence for the violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.”
Coach Oats offers personal support
Neff is currently attempting to arrange a meeting with university officials to overturn the campus ban, which theoretically could allow the point guard to return if the team advances to the tournament’s second weekend.
Despite this legal push, head coach Nate Oats expressed little optimism regarding an imminent return to the court, though he remains supportive of the young man on a personal level.
“I’ve got three daughters, they’ve made mistakes. You don’t disappear on them when they need your help.”
Oats confirmed he had spoken to the former starter, reiterating that he will not abandon him during this difficult legal period.