Oregon dismisses former Alabama transfer WR after arrest

Former Alabama wide receiver Traeshon Holden is no longer a member of the Oregon program.

After his arrest in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Traeshon Holden no longer plays for Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks.

The former Alabama wide receiver was arrested by the Eugene Police Department on Feb. 15. He faces three charges of “menacing, unlawful use of a weapon and coercion“. Holden’s arrest came after EPD responded to a physical dispute shortly after midnight on Wednesday morning. While Holden was compliant with the officers, they later found a handgun located inside his apartment.

Holden reportedly threatened to shoot one of the bystanders after being pepper sprayed by one.

Lanning issued a statement about Holden’s status with the team after his arrest on Wednesday.

"“We are aware of the incident involving Traeshon Holden, and he has been dismissed from our team. We have high standards for the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in our football program, and we are disappointed when these standards are not met. We will continue to hold everyone in our program accountable for meeting our expectations.”"

Prior to transferring to Oregon, Holden had spent his first two college seasons over at Alabama.

Former Alabama WR Traeshon Holden released from Oregon after his arrest

Holden committed to Alabama only two months ago. Although the Crimson Tide passing game took a step back after 2021’s run to the national championship, Holden was expected to be a big part of the Oregon offense in 2023. He may have competed against Bo Nix in the 2021 Iron Bowl, but the Yellowhammer State connection could have been huge in Oregon’s quest for a Pac-12 title.

Although Lanning is a strong defensive mind and an outstanding recruiter, his team will make to make due without Kenny Dillingham going forward. The former star Ducks offensive coordinator has taken over his alma mater’s program of Arizona State. Given how strong the Pac-12 is top to bottom in the coaching department, every little issue can escalate into a big problem very quickly.

Ultimately, Lanning and his staff will have time to adjust. Spring practice is about to begin across major college football. Once spring practice reaches conclusion, Lanning could look in the transfer portal once again for other wideouts potentially on the move. Although not having a receiver on campus for spring practice is a total bummer, Oregon has time to offset Holden being released.

Oregon still faces massive expectations in year two under Lanning, with or without Holden there.

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