MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Memphis Grizzlies legend Tony Allen issued a statement denying guilt following his arrest for drug possession during a traffic stop in Arkansas on Wednesday.
Allen was arrested in Poinsett County along with William Hatton, who was driving the vehicle.
Body camera footage of the arrest was released Thursday.
In the video, Allen can be heard telling deputies he was on his way to Jonesboro for a podcast when the car he was riding in was pulled over.
“I’m a huge figure in this world, bro,” Allen told the deputies.
The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office released the bodycam video of the arrest of former Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen and William Hatton.
Deputies searched Allen and found a package of marijuana on him. The officers also reported finding various drug paraphernalia containing marijuana, which Hatton confessed was his.
A search of the vehicle revealed a cigarette box in Allen’s passenger seat with a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine, Sheriff Kevin Molder said.
Allen denies ever using methamphetamine or cocaine.
“I understand the optics of this situation are not favorable,” Allen wrote in a statement. “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.”
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