Zach Randolph Implicated In Indy Drug Bust

Well, you can store this one under your "I should have seen this one coming" file, Grizzlies fans. Although official details are still hazy, here is the story so far. (All of this information comes from Jack Reinhart of Channel 6 News in Indianapolis.)

Two weeks ago, Indianapolis police were performing a stake out on a suspected drug house. After observing a Cadillac Escalade leaving the residence, police pulled the SUV over. The driver of the vehicle was Arthur Boyd, 32. Upon searching the car, police found marijuana and ammunition stored inside hidden compartments. Guess who the car was registered to? That's right, All-Star power forward Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has a long history of trouble with the law.

Today, apparently, police raided a storage facility where Randolph had rented four storage units. In two of those units, police found narcotics. I all four units, police found more cars that were also outfitted with secret storage compartments.

Randolph's attorney, John Thompkins, asserts that Randolph is not involved in any drug activity. According to "a trusted police informant," however, Randolph is a "major" marijuana supplier in Indianapolis. Also according to the informant, Randolph provides cars and houses for certain individuals, including Boyd.

As of this writing, Randolph has not been arrested or charged with a crime. "Looking at his ownership of the vehicles, he should be aware of who's driving them and possessing illegal narcotics in them," said Lt. Jeff Duhamell of the Indianapolis Police Department. "That in and of itself brings up questions."

Over the next few days, this story will certainly clear up and hopefully, facts will become available. If Randolph is dismissed as a suspect, great. Let's move on and pretend like nothing ever happened. But these are serious allegations and will likely not go away easily. An arrest or trial here would be a crushing blow for Randolph, who is coming off a career season and had seemingly turned the corner regarding his behavior.

But I don't want to speculate or jump to conclusions. This investigation could be much ado about nothing. However, given Randolph's track record, it may prove to be more serious. Here's hoping it's the former.

The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to release a statement tomorrow in support of Randolph, and we will provide a copy of that statement as soon as it becomes available. As always, stick with GrizzLife for all your Grizzlies needs.

I support you Zach!!,

Owen