Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey has officially closed the chapter on a reckless driving case stemming from a high-speed incident in Indiana earlier this year.
According to court records obtained by multiple outlets, the 23-year-old NBA rookie reached a plea deal with prosecutors on July 23, admitting to a speeding infraction and agreeing to pay a $639.50 fine. In exchange, the misdemeanor reckless driving charge he was facing was dropped.
The incident occurred on May 1 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, home to Purdue University, where Edey spent four standout seasons. At approximately 7:03 p.m., an Indiana State Trooper pulled over Edey’s 2023 Kia Sorento after allegedly clocking him at 101 mph in a 55 mph zone. Edey reportedly told officers he was speeding to pass another vehicle, acknowledging the violation on the spot.
The legal outcome spares Edey from a criminal record, but the situation raised eyebrows given his rising profile. Drafted ninth overall in 2024, the 7-foot-4 Canadian was a two-time national college player of the year and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors after averaging 9.2 points and a rookie-leading 8.3 rebounds across 66 games in his debut season.
This isn’t the only hurdle Edey faces heading into his sophomore campaign. He underwent ankle surgery in June to repair and stabilize a lingering injury that had already cost him 12 games during his rookie year. He’s expected to be re-evaluated in October, just weeks before the 2025–26 season tips off.
