Footage of Tony Allen’s arrest last Wednesday showed an emotional Allen doing his best to convince police he had nothing to do with the cocaine found in the car he was driving.
Even though Allen was on the basketball court as a defensive end in the NBA, it was hard to see him literally begging the cops to believe his story that he didn’t know the driver personally and that it was just a ride to a guest house.
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“This can’t happen to me, bro. I could have stayed home, bro. I could have stayed home, bro. I could have stayed home. I shouldn’t have come down here. Hell, what the hell? Hell, bro.” said an emotional and visibly upset Allen.
The car Allen was driving was flagged for making an illegal lane change
In a post on Instagram, Allen said he was interviewed on Nov. 5 and the organization was responsible for his transportation. That’s why he ended up in the car with Memphis resident William Hatton.
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Their car was flagged on Interstate 555 near Memphis for improperly changing lanes while allegedly en route to the scene. When a police officer approached the car, he noticed a specific odor and asked both men if either of them had recently smoked weed in the vehicle or if they had any prohibited substances on them. The driver admitted to doing so and they were then asked to exit the vehicle. Both were handcuffed when officers found marijuana and cocaine in the car.
“Sir, I’m asking you, sir, can we talk?” Allen asked, confused. “Can we talk? Sir, I promise. I don’t do cocaine, sir. I don’t have it. It’s just a ride for me, sir. I promise to God, sir, for all five of my kids. I wish I’d never gotten in a car, sir. I wouldn’t have to come on the podcast. Yes, I could smoke at home. None of this will hurt my image, sir.
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Kendrick Perkins and Channing Frye believe THAT story
The policeman promised Allen a frank interview as soon as they arrived at the police station. However, both Allen and the driver were charged with possession of less than two grams of meth or cocaine, and possession of less than four grams of marijuana, and taken to the Poinsett County Detention Center in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Despite his arrest, Allen’s fellow NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Channing Frye stood by him and believed his story.
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“That whole statement [from Allen] is true So here are some lessons. Number one, we’re in 2025 and athletes have to be very, very strategic about how they move… The people who booked him for the show, instead of sending an Uber or a professional driver, sent one of his friends to pick him up… And now, the news is coming out, they say it’s Tony Allen, now he has to drop the charges. Perkins said.
Indeed, it was difficult to see the video of Allen’s arrest. But it is what it is. TA was one of the best defenders in the league during his career. At this point, he will have to play his best defense, but on another field, to prove his innocence.
Related: Former NBA player Delonte West arrested after found drunk and unconscious
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network in 2025. on November 9, where she made her first appearance on Off The Court. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.