Former NBA guard and defensive standout Tony Allen was arrested on Wednesday, November 5, in Poinsett County, Arkansas, following a traffic stop on Interstate 555.
According to CBS Boston, Allen, 43, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 33-year-old William Hatton of Memphis when deputies pulled the car over, per the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they stopped the vehicle after noticing an improper lane change. When approaching the car, the deputy reported detecting a “strong odor” of marijuana. Both Allen and Hatton were asked to exit the vehicle. During a search, police found a package of what was later confirmed to be marijuana on Allen, the sheriff’s report stated.
Further inspection of the vehicle led officers to a cigarette box located in the passenger seat pouch where Allen had been sitting. Inside the box was a clear plastic wrapper containing a white powdery substance.
Authorities confirmed the substance tested positive for cocaine. Both Allen and Hatton were subsequently charged with possession of meth or cocaine and possession of marijuana.
Hatton also faces additional counts, including possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane change. The car was towed from the scene, and both individuals were taken to the Poinsett County Detention Center.
Allen played in the NBA from 2004 to 2018, beginning his career with the Boston Celtics after being selected 25th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. Known for his defensive intensity, he became a key contributor to Boston’s 2008 championship team.
He later spent seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he became part of the franchise’s “Grit and Grind” identity and a core piece of one of the most successful eras in team history.
The Grizzlies retired his No. 9 jersey in March 2023, joining Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in the franchise’s rafters. Mike Conley, the fourth member of the group, is still active with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This is not Allen’s first legal issue. In 2023, he pleaded guilty in connection with a federal health insurance fraud case involving several former NBA players. He received a sentence of community service and three years of supervised probation in that case.
Allen has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest in Arkansas. Authorities did not immediately release bond information or court dates.