Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke found himself behind bars Wednesday afternoon after being taken into custody in Arkansas on multiple charges, including drug possession and trafficking of a controlled substance.
The 29-year-old basketball player was processed at the Cross County, Arkansas detention facility at 1:03 p.m. Central Time, according to records from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office. Along with the drug-related allegations, Clarke faces two traffic violations: improper passing and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding.
The arrest occurred in Cross County, Arkansas, which sits roughly 55 miles to the west of Memphis.
Sheriff’s office records do not specify whether the charges against Clarke are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. A booking photograph of the NBA player appears on the facility’s website.
When asked about the situation, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo acknowledged he was “aware of the reports” but declined to provide additional commentary regarding Clarke’s legal troubles before Wednesday evening’s matchup against the New York Knicks at home.
Clarke is currently in his seventh year playing for Memphis. His 2024 season has been severely limited, appearing in only two contests. A right knee injury sidelined him at the season’s start, and after returning to action in mid-December, he suffered a right calf injury during his second game back.
The team officially declared Clarke out for the remainder of the season on March 24.
Throughout his Memphis career, Clarke has maintained statistical averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 games, with 50 of those being starts.
