Oregon Reinstates WR Traeshon Holden After Charges Against Him Are Dropped

Traeshon Holden is officially back with the Oregon football team after he was briefly dismissed during his previous potential legal troubles.

Holden was reinstated to the Ducks roster after new evidence emerged arising from his Feb. 15 arrest.

The Lane Co. (Ore.) District Attorney decided to not prosecute Holden after body cam footage and interviews with people who had knowledge of the situation conflicted with initial reports by the Eugene Police Department.

"Following the release of new information from the Lane County District Attorney's office, student-athlete Traeshon Holden has been reinstated to the Oregon football team," Ducks head coach Dan Lanning said in a statement.

"We will always take allegations of this nature very seriously. However, when new information is provided by authorities, such as in this instance, disciplinary action will be reevaluated and adjusted, when appropriate."

What originally happened

Holden was arrested on Feb. 15 on charges of felony unlawful use of a weapon and coercion and misdemeanor menacing.

His arrest came after Eugene police responded to a physical dispute after midnight. Holden complied with officers at the scene, but they later found a handgun in his apartment.

The initial report alleged that Holden threatened to shoot a bystander after being pepper sprayed.

Evidence comes to light

But after looking over the body cam footage and interviewing people at the scene, the DA's office said that Holden had in fact tried to de-escalate the situation, that the incident "spiraled out of control quickly," and that Holden, though he did have a gun, would have had grounds of self-defense or the defense of others.

The video evidence viewed by the DA contradicted the original account made by police and moved the office to drop the charges against Holden.

Transfer from Alabama

The wide receiver spent three seasons with the Crimson Tide with the bulk of his production coming in the last two years.

Holden finished with 46 catches for 570 yards and seven touchdowns in his career at Alabama, with six of his touchdowns coming last season.

The receiver is projected as a likely starter for Oregon coming into this football season.

"I'm happy to have been exonerated, and I'm looking forward to a great season with the Ducks," Holden said after being reinstated.

More: College Football Transfer Portal Team Rankings for 2023

(Oregonian)

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