Copyright sportskeeda
Former Memphis Grizzlies player Tony Allen was arrested in Arkansas for possession of cocaine and marijuana. According to reports, Allen was arrested with wrestler William Hatton at Interstate 555 in Poinsett County during a routine check by officers. The footage that has surfaced online showed the NBA champion, who was in the passenger seat, introducing himself as a former Grizzlies player and who also currently worked for the Grizzlies. The former NBA player wore a Memphis Grizzlies hoodie. After the officers caught marijuana and cocaine in the car, Allen pleaded to the officers that he did not know that drugs were in the car. As he was put in the police car with handcuffs, he also pleaded that his arrest would have bigger implications for him."I don't do any cocaine, sir. I'm not in possession. It's just a ride for me. I promise to God on all five of my kids. I wish I had never gotten in the car," said Allen. "Yeah, I smoke weed, that's it, ain't none of that stuff mine. It's going to hurt my image, sir."Hatton later came to Tony Allen's defense and said that he had picked up the NBA player, and the latter had no idea that there were drugs in the vehicle, nor did he. According to Allen, who was also known as "Grindfather," he was on his way to do a podcast, and the ride was provided by the company that was interviewing him. Tony Allen Confident of His Innocence in His Statement Day After His ArrestJust a day after his arrest, Tony Allen released a statement. In his long public address, the former NBA player said that he was confident about his innocence. "I am cooperating fully with the legal process and am confident the facts will speak for themselves. I ask for patience and understanding as this matter is resolved," Allen wrote.He also added that although the "optics of this situation" were not on his side, he would continue to work for the youth and serve the community. However, he said in his statement that the drugs belonged to the driver and he had never used methamphetamine or cocaine in his life. According to the latest development, the former Memphis Grizzlies star, known for his suffocating defense, was released from the Poinsett County Jail on a $1000 bond. Two years ago, Tony Allen also pleaded guilty to defrauding the NBA for the health and welfare benefits. He was sentenced to three years of "supervised probation" and community service.
