PAYNEWAY, Ark. – Former Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen, known for his defensive dominance during his NBA career, has been arrested in Arkansas on multiple drug charges, authorities confirmed Thursday.
According to the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, Allen, 42, was taken into custody Wednesday evening after a traffic stop along Interstate 555 near Payneway, Arkansas. Deputies said they stopped a vehicle traveling northbound for an improper lane change and immediately detected a strong odor of marijuana upon approach.
Details of the Arrest
Police identified the driver as William Hatton and the passenger as Tony Allen, a six-time NBA All-Defensive Team honoree. Deputies instructed both men to exit the vehicle while conducting a search.
During the search, officers reportedly found a package of marijuana on Allen and later discovered “multiple items of drug paraphernalia” in the vehicle, including a green leafy substance confirmed by Hatton to be his.
A cigarette box found in the passenger seat contained a clear plastic wrapper that later tested positive for cocaine, according to investigators.
Both Allen and Hatton were arrested and charged with possession of meth or cocaine and possession of marijuana. Hatton faces additional counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane change.
“The items seized during the stop were consistent with controlled substances and paraphernalia,” a Poinsett County Sheriff’s spokesperson said. “Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.”
Allen’s Basketball Career
Tony Allen, originally drafted by the Celtics in 2004, became widely recognized as one of the NBA’s elite perimeter defenders. He spent six seasons in Boston, earning a reputation for toughness and defensive intensity that helped lead the Celtics to their 2008 NBA Championship alongside teammates Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.
After his Boston tenure, Allen played seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he became a fan favorite and the cornerstone of the franchise’s “Grit and Grind” identity. Known for his lockdown defense and relentless energy, Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six times between 2011 and 2017.
Allen last played professionally in 2018 and has since largely stayed out of the public eye, aside from occasional appearances at NBA events and community functions.
Legal Status and Custody
Following Wednesday’s arrest, Allen and Hatton were booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center. Authorities have not yet released information regarding bond or court appearances.
The arrest location, Payneway, lies approximately 43 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, the city where Allen spent much of his post-Celtics career and where he remains a beloved sports figure.
Reaction and Next Steps
Neither Allen nor his representatives have commented publicly on the arrest. As of Thursday, court records did not list an attorney on file for either suspect.
The incident marks a significant setback for the former NBA star, who has faced prior off-court scrutiny but remained admired by fans for his defensive prowess and leadership.
As the case proceeds, Allen could face felony charges under Arkansas law for possession of cocaine or methamphetamine, which carry potential prison sentences if convicted.
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