Tony Allen, a former defensive horse for the Memphis Grizzlies and a key player for the franchise’s successful “Core Four” era, was placed under arrest for drug charges Wednesday in Poinsett County, Arkansas.
The 43-year-old Allen is facing two drug possession charges. A vehicle, which was being driven by 33-year-old William Hatton of Memphis, was stopped by police around 50 miles from the city on Interstate 555, according to the Associated Press (AP). (RELATED: Former Atlanta Hawks Executive Charged After Allegedly Embezzling $3.8 Million From Franchise: REPORT)
According to a Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office report, per the AP, a leafy substance was allegedly discovered on Allen, later being identified as marijuana. Police searched the car and located a cigarette box that featured a powdery substance, later found out to be cocaine, per the police report.
From 2011-17, Allen suited up for the Grizzlies. In 2004, he was selected by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft, playing college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Allen’s last season in the league was with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Tony Allen was arrested in Arkansas on drug charges after police found marijuana and cocaine during a traffic stop, per @WMCActionNews5
“‘During the contact, a deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, leading him to direct both individuals to… pic.twitter.com/ussXT6Je3Y
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 5, 2025
Allen pleaded guilty in August 2023 in a federal case related to an NBA health insurance and fraud scheme. He was given three years of supervised probation and community service, according to the AP.
His No. 9 jersey was retired by the Grizzlies in March, becoming another “Core Four” member to land the honor. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol also have their numbers in retirement. Mike Conley, the fourth member of the era, still plays in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
