LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tayon Holloway, a former University of Louisville defensive back, has had felony charges of strangulation and domestic assault dropped following an incident in November. Instead, he was convicted of disorderly conduct and given a diverted sentence, according to court records.
The 21-year-old Holloway was arrested on November 11, 2023, after allegedly attacking a woman who had attempted to stop him from smoking marijuana. According to police reports, Holloway threw the woman off the bed and struck her in the face. When she attempted to resist, he allegedly smothered her with a pillow for approximately 10 seconds before trying to force her out of the room.
The original felony strangulation charge was later amended to second-degree strangulation and subsequently dismissed. Holloway’s assault charge was also reduced to disorderly conduct.
Holloway’s attorney, Lonita Baker, disputed the strangulation charge, and the misdemeanor assault charge was eventually amended. A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Attorney’s office, Josh Abner, explained that the resolution was based on available evidence, discussions with the victim, and Holloway’s willingness to reimburse the victim for medical expenses and complete a domestic violence education course.
As part of his diverted sentence, Holloway must comply with several conditions, including staying out of trouble, having no contact with the victim, and paying $52 in restitution. If Holloway follows these conditions until June 4, the disorderly conduct charge will be dismissed and expunged from his record.
Following the arrest, the University of Louisville suspended Holloway indefinitely from all team activities. A statement from the U of L football program indicated that the team was aware of the arrest and would gather more information before making further decisions. As of now, Holloway is no longer a member of the football team, and his participation in spring practices has been nonexistent. Rocco Gasparro, a spokesperson for the program, could not confirm whether Holloway’s status would change moving forward.
Despite his legal troubles, Holloway’s attorney expressed hope that he would be able to resume his football career, ideally at UofL, though that decision rests with the university’s administration and coaching staff.
Holloway, a former four-star recruit from Virginia Beach, Va., transferred to Louisville after two seasons at North Carolina. He had an impactful 2023 season, contributing significantly on special teams and defense. Holloway made key plays, including blocking a field goal attempt and returning it for a touchdown in a victory over Georgia Tech. He also recorded his first career sack in a loss to Stanford. However, it was a penalty against Stanford that attracted national attention: Holloway was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for a sideline shove, a penalty that moved the Cardinal into better field goal position. Stanford made the kick, winning the game.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound cornerback started three games last season when teammate Quincy Riley was sidelined due to injury. Holloway appeared in 10 games for the Cardinals during the 2023 season. His legal situation has cast a shadow over his football future, with his next steps in both the courtroom and on the field uncertain.
