The NBA fraternity has had a rough few weeks, with multiple off-court incidents involving former players surfacing. The latest to draw attention is Memphis Grizzlies icon Tony Allen, who was arrested in Arkansas on drug-related charges that have quickly gone viral.
Allen, who made his name as one of the league’s fiercest defenders, was reportedly handcuffed and taken into custody by local police, Newsbreak reports. Before being placed in the patrol car, TMZ released bodycam footage showing a moment that briefly lightened the tense situation.
“I can’t fit in here, bro. I’m 6’5 bro,” Allen told the officer, prompting an exchange that fans online couldn’t help but find ironic given his defensive stature during his NBA career.
Authorities say Allen was not driving the vehicle in question but was instead a passenger. The veteran has denied knowing that any banned substances were in the car. Law enforcement confirmed that he was cooperative throughout the arrest and that further investigation is underway.
Perkins Explains What Happened Behind the Scenes
ESPN analyst and former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins stepped in to clarify what actually went down before the arrest. On his show, Perkins laid out a timeline that painted a clearer picture of Allen’s side of the story.
“So Tony Allen is going to an appearance, a podcast appearance that he always goes to,” Perkins said. “Instead of the people who booked him sending an Uber or a professional driver, they send one of his friends to pick him up. So he gets in the car and admits, hey, the marijuana, that was mine. Obviously, it gives them a reason to search the car.”
Kendrick Perkins breaks down the unfortunate Tony Allen situation of how A simple appearance turned into a major headline. It’s a rough situation for ‘Mr. Memphis,’ who’ll turn this “Minor setback for a major come-up.pic.twitter.com/u9wkpVpcvX
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) November 7, 2025
Perkins continued, explaining that while Allen took accountability for a minor possession, the larger charges stemmed from substances found on someone else. “The cocaine and the other drugs are on the other person. But the news breaks, and it’s ‘Tony Allen’s,’” Perkins said. “It’s a lesson learned—you have to move right. I’m not saying he was moving wrong, but this situation just shows how fast things can turn.”
Perkins’ words resonated across social media, with many fans agreeing that Allen’s reputation as a defensive cornerstone has made this story hit harder. Known for his grit and toughness during the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies era, Allen has largely stayed out of controversy since retiring in 2018.
Memphis Under the Microscope
Allen’s arrest has also reignited conversation about Memphis and its current basketball culture. Ja Morant, the team’s current face, recently faced a one-game suspension for criticizing his coaches after a loss to the Lakers. Combined with Allen’s recent headlines, it’s drawn criticism that the city may not be the ideal environment for some athletes to thrive off the court.
Still, many around the league have expressed support for Allen, echoing Perkins’ sentiment that one mistake shouldn’t define a career built on hard work and relentless defense. For now, the former Grizzlies guard remains focused on clearing his name, as fans and former teammates watch the situation unfold with hope that one of Memphis’ most beloved players can rebound from this difficult chapter.
