Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, his sports agency announced in a statement released on Tuesday, May 12. He was 29 years old.
He had just finished his seventh NBA season, all of which he spent with the Grizzlies.
“We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports said.
“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.
“Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family and all of his friends. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
Clarke was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga and enjoyed initial success in the league, earning all-rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
He signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Memphis in 2022.
But Clarke’s career had been derailed in recent years by injuries. He played in just six games during the 2023-24 season due to a torn Achilles and missed all but two games this past season due to calf and knee ailments.
Clarke’s sudden death comes almost six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance.
Clarke then allegedly led Cross County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a miles-long chase on April 1, with speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour, and was found with over 230 grams of kratom in his possession, an arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal said.
Kratom is an herbal extract from a tree that grows in Southeast Asia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
At low doses, Mayo Clinic said it acts as a stimulant. At higher doses, it has been reported to reduce pain and anxiety.
Though it legal in some states, kratom is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas.
Clarke’s cause of death is unknown at this point.
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