Former Memphis Grizzlies standout Tony Allen was taken into custody Wednesday after a traffic stop on Interstate 555 in Poinsett County, Arkansas, authorities said.
Sheriff Kevin Molder reported that deputies pulled over a silver vehicle near mile marker 18 while traveling northbound. The driver was identified as William Hatton; Allen was the passenger.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside the car and instructed both men to step out. A search of Allen allegedly produced a package of marijuana, while additional marijuana paraphernalia was found on Hatton, investigators said.
Officials added that a cigarette box discovered on the passenger seat contained a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine. Both Allen and Hatton were charged with possession of meth or cocaine under 2 grams and possession of marijuana under 4 ounces. Hatton also faces counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane change.
The two men were booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center, police said.
Previous Legal Trouble
Allen, 43, was sentenced to community service and supervised probation in 2023 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in a case involving 17 other former NBA players.
NBA Career Highlights
The guard played 14 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans from 2004 to 2018. A six-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection and member of the 2008 champion Celtics, Allen appeared in 820 regular-season games, averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 22 minutes per contest. Memphis retired his No. 9 jersey in March 2024.
Source: Basketball Insiders
