MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies legend Tony Allen spoke out on Wednesday for the first time since being charged with federal health care fraud.
On October 7, the news broke that “The Grindfather” was among 18 ex-NBA players that were charged with defrauding the NBA Health and Benefits plan out of nearly $4 million.
Allen’s wife was also named in the indictment.
In a video posted on Twitter by Grind City Media, Allen said that he can’t address his case, but he is asking the Memphis Grizzlies to postpone his jersey retirement which was scheduled for January 28, 2020 at the FedExForum.
“Grizz Nation, this is The Grindfather, Tony Allen. First, I just want to thank all my family, friends and fans for standing by me through this time. Although I can’t address the ongoing legal matters right now, I want everyone to know I’m doing the work to address my case. That said, I have asked the Grizzlies to postpone my jersey retirement until next season so that we can all truly celebrate it together. In the meantime, between time, I will remain active in the Memphis community, doing my part to make our city better. Thank you. Grit-And-Grind, forever.”
Allen is well-known in Memphis for helping lead the Grizzlies to the 2013 NBA Western Conference Finals and getting the team to the semifinal round in 2011 and 2015.
The Grindfather also has a history of passing out Thanksgiving meals to people in Memphis.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said that Allen also contributed to a three-year...
A Coral Springs woman was indicted in federal court for her alleged role in a $58.3 million Medicare fraud scheme built around medically unnecessary orthotic braces, federal prosecutors announced ...