Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has landed in legal trouble following an arrest in Arkansas.
The 29-year-old NBA player was taken into custody on Wednesday by the Cross County Sheriff’s Department. Reports indicate that he was booked shortly after 1 p.m. local time.
Clarke is facing multiple allegations, including speeding, reckless driving, and possession of a controlled substance.
NBA Star Arrested in Arkansas Ahead of Grizzlies Game
Details surrounding the arrest remain limited. Though the incident reportedly occurred just hours before the Grizzlies faced the New York Knicks.
“I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said, via ESPN.
Authorities confirmed Clarke was “booked into jail Wednesday afternoon for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance.”
The arrest comes during a difficult stretch in Clarke’s career, as he has battled multiple injuries.
He has appeared in just two games this season, with the team announcing in March that he would continue his rehabilitation.
Further testing later revealed he needed additional recovery time. He was then ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Career Setbacks Continue Amid Legal Issues
The Cross County Sheriff’s Office has declined to provide further details on the case.
Chief Deputy Larry Jones said in an email that there is currently “no additional information that can be released.”
Clarke entered the NBA as the 21st overall pick in the 2019 Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Memphis Grizzlies then acquired his rights on draft night.
He previously played college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga, quickly making an impact at the professional level.
Clarke earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 61.8% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range across 58 games.
Injuries have since disrupted his progress, including a torn left Achilles that limited him to just six appearances in the 2023-24 season.
During the 2025 offseason, the seven-year forward underwent an “arthroscopic procedure to address knee synovitis,” further delaying his return to full fitness.