A spokesperson for the Indianapolis police department confirmed that although no warrants have been issued for Zach Randolph as of this morning, the Memphis Grizzlies All-Star forward could face further questioning as part of an ongoing drug investigation.
Documents
* Affadavit for probable cause naming Zach Randolph
“Whether the detectives have an active criminal investigation regarding Zach Randolph, I don’t know,” Lt. Jeff Duhamell said. “Confidential informants bring up his name on several occasions. That being said, it’s just information provided to the police. That information led to the arrest of Arthur Boyd. The bottom line is Randolph knows this guy. The vehicle Boyd was driving belongs to Randolph. That’s the connection right now.”
Boyd, 32, was arrested on May 11 while driving a 2008 Cadillac Escalade registered to Randolph. Three other vehicles owned by Randolph have been seized as part of an Indianapolis drug investigation that resulted in Boyd being charged with possession and dealing of marijuana.
Duhamell described Boyd as someone with a long history of criminal activity in Indianapolis “from narcotics to murder.”
According to an affidavit for probable cause, a "confidential creditable and reliable informant" said Randolph, who recently completed his first season with the Grizzlies, provided individuals in Indianapolis with marijuana, vehicles and a residence.
"I don't know enough to comment on it, but needless to say I'm concerned about it," Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley told The Commercial Appeal late Wednesday night.
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said, "We have no comment at this time. We're at an information-gathering stage at this time."
Raymond Brothers, Randolph's Los Angeles-based agent, declined comment.
But, according to a report by Indianapolis TV station 6News, Randolph's attorney, John Tompkins, said Boyd worked for Randolph and that Randolph is not connected to drug activity.
Police reportedly told the TV station that marijuana was found in secret compartments in the Escalade Boyd was driving when arrested. Tompkins told 6News that the secret compartments were a safety precaution for concealing valuables. He also said that police told him the vehicles are being released.
However, the Indianapolis Star said it was told by Duhamell that authorities began forfeiture procedures, believing the vehicles to have been used in a drug dealing operation.
"He (Randolph) should know who is operating his vehicle and should be more responsible for those individuals," Duhamell told the newspaper.
Randolph appeared to be a model citizen in Memphis this season and became a fan favorite. But he has a long history of problems with the law, including a 2003 case in which he was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants after police smelled marijuana in his car.
In February 2009, he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, though the charge was later reduced to one count of reckless driving.
Randolph averaged 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds this season, helping lead the Grizzlies to a 40-42 season. He said late in the season that he was worthy of a contract extension similar to the three-year, $57 million deal that former Grizzly Pau Gasol signed with the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season.
Asked if Randolph faced disciplinary action because of the report, an NBA spokesperson said the league will monitor the situation.
Later this afternoon, Randolph and the Grizzlies will release a statement responding to the incident.
