POINSETT COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) – The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera video of the Wednesday arrest of former Memphis Grizzlies player Tony Allen.
In the video, Allen can be heard telling deputies he was on his way to Jonesboro for a podcast when the car he was riding in was pulled over.
“I’m a huge figure in this world, bro,” Allen told the deputies.
The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office released the bodycam video of the arrest of former Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen and William Hatton.
Sheriff Kevin Molder said deputies were northbound Wednesday on Interstate 555 near Payneway when they initiated a traffic stop on a silver car near mile marker 18.
Deputies approached the driver, William Hatton, and his passenger, Tony Allen.
Poinsett County sheriff’s deputies arrested former Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen on suspicion of possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance..(Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office)
“During the contact, a deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, leading him to direct both individuals to exit the car,” the report said.
Deputies searched Allen and found a package of marijuana on him. The officers also reported finding various drug paraphernalia containing marijuana, which Hatton confessed was his.
A search of the vehicle revealed a cigarette box in Allen’s passenger seat with a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine, Molder said.
Allen and Hatton are both charged with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and possession of marijuana less than 4 ounces.
Poinsett County sheriff’s deputies arrested William Hatton on suspicion of possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.(Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office)
Hatton faces additional charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane change.
Both men were taken to the Poinsett County Detention Center.
According to Sheriff Molder, both men went before a judge on Thursday where they received a $1,000 bond. Both have since bonded out of jail.
The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office released the bodycam video of the arrest of former Memphis Grizzly Tony Allen and William Hatton.
This is not the first time Allen has been on the wrong side of the law. In 2023, a judge sentenced him to community service and supervised probation after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.
He was one of 18 NBA players charged in the case.
Allen played for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2010 to 2017 and is a six-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team. He is regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history.
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