Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies player, dies at 29
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, aged 29, has died, with his death under investigation as a possible overdose, according to NBC Los Angeles and local authorities.
- Clarke was a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent his entire seven-season NBA career with the Grizzlies, and had recently struggled with injuries, including a torn Achilles and calf and knee ailments.
- In April, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on multiple charges including possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, and allegedly led police on a high-speed chase while carrying over 230 grams of kratom.
- Known also for his music under the name BCVS, Clarke described music as therapeutic and had released several songs; his death prompted tributes from teammates like Ja Morant and expressions of grief from the Grizzlies and his sports agency.
- Kratom, found in Clarke's possession, is an herbal extract with stimulant and pain-relief effects, legal in some states but classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in Arkansas.