Story perspectives

Memphis Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies in Accidental Heroin-Cocaine Overdose

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that Memphis Grizzlies Brandon Clarke died of an accidental heroin-cocaine overdose on May 11, 2024.
Paramedics pronounced Clarke dead at 5:15 p.m. after arriving around 5 p.m.
Weeks earlier, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for speeding, reckless driving and possession of 230 grams of kratom.
Commissioner Adam Silver, the Grizzlies, the NBPA, teammates and fans posted tributes and built a memorial at FedExForum with donations to ARISE2Read.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s anti-drug program, first adopted in 1983 and tightened in 1995 after John Starks’ 1993 cocaine arrest, imposed random testing and a $1,000 fine that hit 12 players that year. Brandon Clarke’s May 2024 heroin-cocaine overdose revives that legacy, prompting Commissioner Adam Silver, the Grizzlies and the NBPA to back the ARISE2Read education initiative.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that Memphis Grizzlies Brandon Clarke died of an accidental heroin-cocaine overdose on May 11, 2024.
Paramedics pronounced Clarke dead at 5:15 p.m. after arriving around 5 p.m.
Weeks earlier, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for speeding, reckless driving and possession of 230 grams of kratom.
Commissioner Adam Silver, the Grizzlies, the NBPA, teammates and fans posted tributes and built a memorial at FedExForum with donations to ARISE2Read.

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