Just last week, the Memphis Grizzlies ruled out Brandon Clarke for the season to aid his recovery. But now there is a legal trouble looming over the Canadian forward’s head on four different counts. The arrest occurred around 12:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday, April 1, and later updates started rolling in about the misdemeanor.

Lucas Finton and Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the Memphis Grizzlies star’s arrest in Arkansas. The charges were initially unknown, but reports later revealed they included trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing officers in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing.

Records from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office show the Cross County Sheriff’s Office booked Clarke after 1 p.m. CT on the aforementioned charges, with his booking profile noting a “CID hold,” though Chief Deputy Larry Jones did not release further information.

“At this time, there is no additional information that can be released,” said in an emailed statement. In fact, even the Grizzlies coach, Tuomas Iisalo, spoke to the media before the game against the New York Knicks, but declined to address the current scenario. “I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments.” Behind the scenes, the Memphis Grizzlies must be working overtime to find more about the situation before they release a statement. As the franchise already had a drug-related issue involving one of their legends a few months ago.

Back on November 5, police arrested Tony Allen on two drug charges, one felony and one misdemeanor, and he later pleaded not guilty. The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that Allen was a passenger when an officer pulled the car over for an improper lane change. A search of the vehicle then turned up a cigarette box in Allen’s passenger seat containing a white powdery substance that later tested positive for coc—-, Sheriff Kevin Molder said.

Allen later issued a quick statement on social media denying the use. “I understand the optics of this situation are not favorable. 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.”

After one of their legends, now Brandon Clarke faces the charges, a player who ties Ja Morant as the longest-tenured member on the roster. Memphis selected the Canadian forward with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Injuries troubled Brandon Clarke on the court

From fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 to appearing in just two games this season, it has been a roller-coaster career for the 29-year-old. Clarke’s career has been a constant battle against injuries.

After a non-contact Achilles tear on March 3, 2023, limited him to just six games in the 2023–24 season, his comeback was cut short by a high-grade PCL sprain on March 19, 2025. The setbacks continued as he missed the start of the current season while recovering from right knee surgery.

His most recent issue, a right calf strain requiring more healing time, is tied to that bigger underlying knee concern, and it prompted the Grizzlies’ season-ending ruling.

Brandon Clarke, in his seventh NBA season, carries a $12.5 million contract this year and next. But any legal trouble or NBA suspension could deliver a serious financial blow to the 29-year-old.