Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke found himself in legal trouble Wednesday after being taken into custody in Arkansas on multiple charges involving controlled substances and traffic violations.
The Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked Clarke Wednesday afternoon on charges that included improper passing, controlled substance possession, fleeing, speeding violations, and trafficking a controlled substance. The department’s website displayed Clarke’s booking photograph.
Clarke’s legal troubles come during a season where injuries have severely limited his playing time. The forward has appeared in just two games this season and has been declared out for the remainder of the current campaign by the Memphis organization.
When asked about the arrest before Memphis faced New York on Wednesday evening, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo offered little comment. “I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” Iisalo stated.
The 6-foot-7 player is currently in his seventh NBA season after playing college basketball at Gonzaga. Clarke’s injury woes have kept him off the court for 73 games total – initially missing 26 contests while recovering from right knee surgery, followed by 46 additional games due to a right calf strain.
On March 24, the Grizzlies provided an update on Clarke’s condition, announcing that while he continued his rehabilitation process, recent medical evaluations indicated he required additional healing time before doctors would clear him for intensive basketball activities. The team confirmed Clarke would miss the rest of this season but anticipates his return for the upcoming campaign.
