Former NBA star Tony Allen was arrested earlier this week on drug charges after being pulled over in Arkansas. Police searched the vehicle Allen was a passenger in, and found cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
TMZ Sports has since obtained bodycam footage from one of the arresting officers, which shows Allen denying any wrongdoing.
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Allen was worried that the incident would tarnish his image and insisted he had nothing to do with “all the extra sh*t” that was discovered during the search of his car.
Additional video from the traffic stop shows the driver speaking to the police.
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During that interaction, the driver tries to take full responsibility for the drugs. “Please do not charge that man with that — let me take full responsibility,” the driver said.
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During the search, police found blunt wraps and a package labeled “sour raspberry cinnamon rolls” in Allen’s Grizzlies hoodie, while a grinder, bowl, and a cigarette pack filled with a substance were discovered in the center console.
Allen was ultimately charged with possession of less than two grams of meth or cocaine and possession of less than four ounces of marijuana.
Maintaining his innocence
Mar 15, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Tony Allen at his jersey retirement ceremony after the Miami Heat vs. Memphis grizzlies game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Smith-Imagn Images
Allen released a lengthy statement on social media sharing his side of the story, saying he is fully cooperating with the legal process and claimed that he was not aware of any drugs in the vehicle.
“I want to be very clear: I was not in possession of, nor was I aware of, the illegal drugs found in the vehicle that belonged to the driver. I have never used cocaine or methamphetamine, and these substances do not reflect who I am or my values,” Allen wrote.
“I understand the optics of this situation are not favorable. However, I have worked diligently throughout my career to honor my commitments, particularly to the youth I mentor and the community I serve. This incident does not diminish my dedication to that work, and I remain committed to being a positive force and leader. 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.”
A Memphis legend
Mar 15, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Tony Allen’s banner rising to the rafters at the jersey retirement ceremony after the Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Smith-Imagn Images
Earlier this year, in March 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies retired Allen’s No. 9 jersey during a ceremony at FedExForum following a game against the Miami Heat. Allen became the third player in Grizzlies history to have his jersey retired, joining Marc Gasol (33) and Zach Randolph (50).
Throughout his career, Allen averaged 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
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