Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Arrested in Arkansas

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, was arrested on Wednesday on multiple charges in Arkansas. He was booked by the Cross County Sheriff’s Office and is facing charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing.

Details of the Arrest

The arrest involved a vehicle pursuit, with Clarke accused of fleeing from officers at a high speed. A “CID hold” has been placed on Clarke, which indicates involvement with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Cross County Sheriff’s Office. The specific meaning of the hold can vary depending on the agency.

Grizzlies' Response

Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Lisalo addressed the situation briefly to reporters. “I’m aware of the report but don’t have any comments,” Lisalo stated, according to the Commercial Appeal.

Clarke's Tenure with the Grizzlies

Longest-Tenured Player

Clarke is tied with Ja Morant as the longest-tenured member of the current Grizzlies roster, having played seven seasons in Memphis. He was originally selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Injury-Plagued Season

This arrest comes during a difficult season for Clarke, marked by injuries. He initially sustained a knee injury dating back to the 2024-25 season and then suffered a calf strain in December, which prematurely ended his season after only two games played.

Career Statistics

Throughout his career, Clarke has appeared in 309 games, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He previously played college basketball at both San Jose State and Gonzaga.