Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on drug charges and reckless driving. Clarke was taken into custody after a brief police chase.
According to reports, Clarke, 29, was booked into the Cross County jail just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday. He is charged with possession of a controlled substance, trafficking a controlled substance, improper passing and fleeing/exceeding the speed limit.
Clarke is on a CID hold in the criminal investigation division. He is being held in jail without bond.
“I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said ahead of the Grizzlies game against the NY Knicks on Wednesday.
When reached by PEOPLE for comment on Clarke’s arrest, the Cross County Sheriff’s Office said, “there is no additional information that can be released”.
Clarke was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 1st round of the 2019 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies immediately acquired his rights from the Thunder. He played 7 seasons in the NBA.
Clarke appeared in just 2 games this season due to a season-ending calf injury in December.
In September 2025, Clarke celebrated his 29th birthday by giving back to the local community in Memphis, Tennessee.
He surprised a classroom of second graders at Kipp Collegiate Elementary School by donating $1,500 to support literacy awareness, books, and resources. He donated another $2,000 for ARise2Read.
