The NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies announced this Tuesday (12) the death of their Canadian player Brandon Clarke, aged 29, without detailing the causes of death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an exceptional teammate and an even greater person whose impact on the organization and the Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the Grizzlies said in a brief statement.
Priority Sports, the agency responsible for the player’s career, said in a statement that it was “deeply devastated” by Clarke’s death.
“He was the kindest soul, always the first to be there for all his friends and family,” the agency added.
Neither the Grizzlies nor Priority Sports provided information about the athlete’s death.
But NBC’s Los Angeles affiliate reported, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, that Clarke was found dead Monday at a suburban San Fernando Valley home where paramedics responded to an emergency call.
The broadcaster said authorities were investigating the athlete’s death as a possible drug overdose.
“As one of the Grizzlies’ longest-tenured members, Brandon was a much-loved teammate and leader who played basketball with enormous passion and determination,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Clarke, picked 21st overall in the 2019 draft, played his seven NBA seasons for the Grizzlies, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The pivot quickly became a fundamental part of the team, winning a four-year contract extension worth US$50 million (R$245 million) in 2022.
However, his career went into decline in recent years due to numerous injuries that limited him to just two games last regular season.
Last April, the player was arrested in the state of Arkansas on charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
“He’s bigger than basketball,” wrote Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who honored his teammate with several Instagram posts, including a photo of Clarke hugging him on the court.
