Just under six weeks before his unexpected passing at age 29, Brandon Clark, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, was arrested in Arkansas on drug possession charges.
During a traffic stop, authorities discovered 235.6 grams of kratom in Clark’s vehicle, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Cross County Sheriff’s Office, which was shared by The California Post on Tuesday.
Clark was pulled over while driving his Corvette, reportedly for “passing several vehicles at speeds well in excess of 100 mph in a no-passing zone.” The officers found a significant amount of kratom concealed in a blue duffel bag located in the passenger seat.
The report indicates that Clark acknowledged he had the drugs, but insisted that “those things are legal.” Yet, kratom is illegal in Arkansas.
The Mayo Clinic highlights that users typically take kratom for its dual effects as a stimulant and sedative, though it warns that the substance hasn’t been shown to be safe or effective for treating any medical issues. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has also labeled it a “drug of concern.”
According to the affidavit, it was uncovered that Clark had “several large bags containing clear capsules” filled with a “green powdery” substance in his car.
Additionally, a THC vape pen was reportedly found in his possession.
The former Gonzaga player was taken into custody and faced multiple charges, including felony trafficking in a controlled substance, felony fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.
Clark was set to attend an arraignment hearing on Friday.
Reportedly, Clark was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles home on Monday afternoon, shortly after 5 p.m. Authorities found drug paraphernalia at the scene, and the incident is being treated as a potential overdose.
The exact cause and circumstances of his death are pending autopsy results.
The Grizzlies expressed their sorrow in a statement following his death, saying, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clark. He was an exceptional teammate and an even better person, leaving an indelible mark on our organization and the Memphis community.” They extended their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Clark was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies, participating in a total of 309 games.
