Brandon Clarke arrested in Arkansas: Grizzlies forward faces serious charges
Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies player, was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas for possession of controlled substances and speeding. The 29-year-old player, already sidelined for the rest of the season, faces several serious charges.
Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic (17) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brandon Clarke is going through a particularly difficult period. The Memphis Grizzlies forward, already sidelined from the court for the rest of the season due to injuries, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Arkansas by the Cross County Sheriff’s Department. The charges filed against the player are multiple and concerning.
Serious accusations that tarnish the veteran’s image
According to official sheriff’s department records, Clarke faces four separate charges: trafficking of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, fleeing in a vehicle while exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing. The player was booked Wednesday afternoon at 1:03 PM local time.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo remained particularly discreet about this matter before his team’s game against New York Wednesday night. « I am aware of the report, but I have no comment, » he told reporters present.
This arrest comes in an already complicated context for Clarke, who has only played two games this season. The seven-season NBA veteran had initially missed 26 games due to recovery from right knee surgery, before suffering a right calf injury that forced him out for an additional 46 games.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on Wednesday, Cross County jail records show.
According to @WMCActionNews5, Cross County sheriff David West said Clarke was arrested on allegations of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled… pic.twitter.com/irWxFodIPn
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 2, 2026
A wasted season and an uncertain future
The Grizzlies announced on March 24 that Clarke was continuing his rehabilitation, but that recent tests showed he needed more healing time before being cleared to resume « high-intensity work on the court. » The team confirmed that the player was out for the rest of this season and was expected to return next season.
Clarke, who is under contract until 2026-2027 for $12.5 million this season and next, was one of the longest-tenured members of the current Grizzlies roster alongside Ja Morant. Selected 21st overall in the 2019 draft after his time at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and had played 309 career games with averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
This arrest raises many questions about the player’s future in Memphis and could have significant consequences on his professional career.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
Comments (0)