👊 Betis to the CHAMPIONS: the Engineer takes on history in Europe
Manuel Pellegrini leads Real Betis back to the UEFA Champions League!
Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, was arrested for possessing 235.6 grams of Kratom just weeks before his death at 29. The arrest occurred during a traffic stop in Arkansas.
Mentioned in this story
Jan 27, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden....
Less than six weeks before his sudden death at 29 years old, Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for allegedly possessing half a pound of drugs.
According to a Cross County Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, obtained by The California Post on Tuesday, authorities discovered 235.6 grams of Kratom in Clarke’s vehicle during a traffic stop.
Less than six weeks before tragically dying at 29 years old, Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for allegedly possessing half a pound of drugs. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Clarke was pulled over in a Corvette for allegedly “passing several vehicles in a no-passing zone at well over 100 MPH,” and the probable cause affidavit states cops located his massive stash of Kratom in a blue duffel bag in his passenger seat.
Clarke allegedly admitted to holding the drugs, but insisted “that stuff is legal,” according to the report.
In Arkansas, however, the substance has been banned.
Brandon Clarke was arrested for possessing 235.6 grams of Kratom.
Brandon Clarke died at the age of 29, less than six weeks after his arrest.
Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas during a traffic stop.
Brandon Clarke's death occurred suddenly at the age of 29, shortly after his drug possession arrest.
Manuel Pellegrini leads Real Betis back to the UEFA Champions League!
Shohei Ohtani is resting from hitting as he struggles offensively.
Denny Hamlin calls out NASCAR and Fox for poor race coverage
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The Mayo Clinic states users ingest it because it can act as both a stimulant and a sedative. But it also notes “Kratom hasn’t been shown to be safe or to treat any medical conditions,” adding that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has called it “a drug of concern.”
The Mayo Clinic states users ingest it because it can act as both a stimulant and a sedative. Getty Images
The probable cause affidavit states Clarke was eventually found to have “several large bags of clear capsules” that were full of the “green powdery” substance in his ride.
Clarke also allegedly had a THC Vape Pen.
The former Gonzaga star was taken into custody and later hit with multiple criminal charges, including felony trafficking a controlled substance, felony fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.
Brandon Clarke — a first-round draft pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — played all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies, logging minutes in 309 total games. Getty Images
Clarke had been slated to appear for a plea and arraignment hearing on Friday.
NBC4 reported on Tuesday that Clarke was found dead inside a home in Los Angeles just after 5 p.m. on Monday.
Drug paraphernalia was found in the residence and the matter is being investigated as a possible overdose, the outlet added.
A cause and manner of death are still pending autopsy results.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement confirming his death on Tuesday. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an ever 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 — a first-round draft pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — played all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies, logging minutes in 309 total games.