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.
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.
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 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.
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.
