Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on multiple charges, including trafficking a controlled substance.
According to the Cross County Sheriff’s Department, Clarke was booked into jail just after 1 p.m. Authorities listed several charges: speeding, improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing, and drug trafficking. Cross County is located about 55 miles west of Memphis.
Officials have not said what substance Clarke was allegedly carrying.
The arrest adds another setback to what has already been a rough year for the 29-year-old. Injuries have limited him to just two games this season, and the Grizzlies recently ruled him out for the rest of the year.
“I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said before Wednesday night’s game against the New York Knicks.
Clarke, a 6-foot-7 forward in his seventh NBA season, has missed a total of 73 games. He initially sat out 26 games while recovering from right knee surgery, then missed another 46 with a calf strain. On March 24, the team said he was still rehabbing but needed more time before returning to full basketball activity.
Memphis expects Clarke to be ready for next season.
A former Gonzaga standout, Clarke was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and signed a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the team in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies’ struggles continued on the court. Memphis fell 130-119 to the Knicks at FedEx Forum on Wednesday night and now sits 12th in the Western Conference with a 25-51 record.
He Dropped the ball on this one!