Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested on drug charges in Arkansas roughly six weeks before his tragic death Monday at 29.
Clarke was booked April 1 by the Cross County Sheriff’s Office on charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and improper passing.
Clarke was on the injury report with an extended calf injury, suffered in December, for the Grizzlies’ loss to the Knicks that same night.
The Grizzlies acknowledged Clarke’s arrest but no formal discipline was announced. He did not face consequences from the league.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Clarke’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose, with officials finding drug paraphernalia inside the home he was staying at.
A cause of death was not given and an autopsy is pending.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday and paramedics declared Clarke dead when they arrived, authorities said.
Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke suffered multiple injuries since he signed a four-year, $52 million extension with Memphis in October 2022.
After returning from a knee injury, Clarke played in just two games last season before a calf strain ended his 2025-26 campaign.
Clarke was a first-round pick out of Gonzaga by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to Memphis in the 2019 NBA draft.
He averaged 10.2 points 5.5 rebounds over his seven-year career, all with the Grizzlies.
He made the All-Rookie First Team in 2020.
