Copyright Heavy.
Former Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics champion guard Tony Allen was arrested Wednesday in Poinsett County, Arkansas, following a traffic stop on Interstate 555, according to multiple media reports. Allen, 43, faces two drug possession counts tied to items found during and after the stop. Allen, known as the Grizzlies’ “Grindfather,” anchored the Core Four from 2011 to 2017 and became a fan favorite for on-ball defense. The 2004 Boston first-round pick later played for the Pelicans after Oklahoma State. In 2023, he pleaded guilty in the NBA health-insurance fraud case and received community service and three years’ probation. Deputies pulled over a car driven by William Hatton, 33, of Memphis, about 50 miles northwest of the city, according to a report from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office. The report states a “leafy” package later identified as marijuana was found on Allen. A search of the vehicle turned up a cigarette box with a “powdery” substance later identified as cocaine, the report said. Local outlets reported both men were booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center. Listed charges included possession of meth or cocaine under 2 grams and marijuana under 4 ounces, with Hatton also cited for paraphernalia and an improper lane change. What We Know About the Stop Multiple reports indicate the vehicle was northbound on I-555 near Payneway when deputies initiated the stop. Deputies said they detected the odor of marijuana before asking the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle. Authorities have not announced a court date as of publication. Heavy has requested additional information from the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, including the incident narrative, booking photos and any available testing records. Allen’s Playing Career & Recent Headlines Allen played seven seasons in Memphis from 2010–17, becoming the face of the team’s defense during the franchise’s “Grit & Grind” era. He made six NBA All-Defensive teams and helped Memphis reach the Western Conference finals in 2013. The Grizzlies announced plans in September 2024 to retire Allen’s No. 9, and the jersey was raised on March 15 following a home game. He entered the NBA as a 2004 first-round pick of the Boston Celtics, won a championship with Boston in 2008, and was considered one of the few players in the league that could guard top scorers on opposing teams. He finished his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. For his career, Allen averaged 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 820 games. Allen and Randolph co-host a podcast, “Out of the Mud” which features discussions about their lives and careers, along with interviews with other athletes and artists, staying part of the basketball fabric during their retirements from the NBA. In August 2023, Allen pleaded guilty in a federal case tied to an NBA health insurance fraud scheme and received community service and three years of supervised probation. ESPN noted the plea and sentencing in its report on the arrest. What’s Next Poinsett County prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the listed counts or modify the case after lab results and discovery. As of Thursday, no attorney for Allen had publicly commented. This story will be updated as charging documents and court dates are posted.
