For Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a season already cut short by injury has now taken a far more serious turn. Just days after Memphis ruled him out for the remainder of the season to prioritize his recovery, he finds himself arrested in Arkansas and booked on four different counts. 

His arrest occurred around 12:30 PM on Wednesday, April 1. Lucas Finton and Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the Grizzlies star’s arrest in Arkansas. The charges were initially unknown, but reports revealed they included trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing officers in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing.

Records from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office show they booked Clarke just after 1 PM CT on the aforementioned charges, with his booking profile noting a “CID hold,” though Chief Deputy Larry Jones remained tight-lipped on the case. “At this time, there is no additional information that can be released,” Jones said in an emailed statement. Authorities also did not indicate whether the charges were classified as misdemeanors or felonies at the time of booking. Cross County is located roughly 55 miles west of Memphis.

Even the Grizzlies coach, Tuomas Iisalo, spoke to the media before the game against the New York Knicks, but declined to address the current scenario. “I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments.” The sheriff’s department’s booking profile also included Clarke’s mugshot as part of the public record. The franchise already had a drug-related issue involving one of their legends a few months ago.

Back on November 5, police arrested Tony Allen on two drug charges, one felony and one misdemeanor, and he later pleaded not guilty. The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that he was a passenger when an officer pulled the car over for an improper lane change. A search of the vehicle then turned up a cigarette box in Allen’s passenger seat containing a white powdery substance that later tested positive for c******, Sheriff Kevin Molder said.

“I understand the optics of this situation are not favorable,” Allen, who is affectionately known as ‘The Grindfather,’ said. “However, I have worked diligently throughout my career to honor my commitments, particularly to the youth I mentor and the community I serve. This incident does not diminish my dedication to that work, and I remain committed to being a positive force and leader. I am cooperating fully with the legal process and am confident the facts will speak for themselves.”

After one of their legends, now Clarke faces charges, a player who ties Ja Morant as the longest-tenured member on the roster. Memphis selected the Canadian forward with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.  However, much of Clarke’s recent stretch with the team has been shaped less by continuity on the floor and more by a series of injuries that repeatedly interrupted his availability.

How injuries troubled Brandon Clarke on the court

Brandon Clarke’s career has been a constant battle against injuries.

From fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 to appearing in just two games this season, it has been a roller-coaster. He is currently in his seventh season with the franchise and has appeared in 309 career games, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.

After a non-contact Achilles tear on March 3, 2023, he was limited to just six games in the 2023-24 season. His comeback was cut short by a high-grade PCL sprain on March 19, 2025. The setbacks continued as he missed the start of the current season while recovering from right knee surgery.

Clark’s most recent issue, a right calf strain requiring more healing time, is tied to that bigger underlying knee concern, and it prompted the Grizzlies’ season-ending ruling. In his seventh NBA season, he carries a $12.5 million contract this year and next. But any legal trouble or NBA suspension could deliver a serious financial blow to him.