Former Purdue basketball legend and current Grizzlies star Zach Edey faces mounting legal pressure as his reckless driving case approaches its initial hearing. On May 1, the First Team All-NBA Rookie selection was clocked driving 101 mph in a 55 mph zone, nearly doubling the speed limit on Indiana roadways.
Edey’s legal troubles add complexity to his professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies following his historic run at Purdue.
Zach Edey Court Date Set for Monday
The Indiana State Police probable cause affidavit reveals details of the high-speed stop on May 1 at 7:03 p.m. Edey’s northbound Kia Sorento caught the attention of a southbound trooper on Indiana 25 in southern Tippecanoe County. The trooper recorded the speed and initiated a traffic stop.
NEW: Action News 5 can confirm Zach Edey is facing a reckless driving charge in Indiana. First reported by the IndyStar.
On May 1, Edey was stopped for going 101 in a 55 MPH zone in his Kia Sorento.
The charge is a misdemeanor, and he’ll have a court date for it Monday.— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) June 18, 2025
According to IndyStar, when officers confronted him, Edey told police he was trying to pass a vehicle. That explanation did not prevent him from being charged with misdemeanor reckless driving after further investigation.
The traffic stop happened in Tippecanoe County, the same place where Edey starred at Purdue. During his four-year career, he became the tallest player in Big Ten Conference history and one of college basketball’s most dominant forces.
His achievements include sweeping all six major National Player of the Year awards in back-to-back seasons. Edey also became one of only eight NCAA players to finish with more than 2,500 career points and 1,300 career rebounds.
Zach Edey’s Court Date Set for Monday
According to IndyStar, legal proceedings are set to begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Tippecanoe Superior 6. Edey will face the misdemeanor reckless driving charge in a hearing that could have ripple effects on his young NBA career.
The timing is tough for Edey. He recently underwent ankle surgery and faces questions about when he’ll return to the court for his second season with Memphis. His legal team is expected to push for a resolution that limits the case’s impact on his pro basketball obligations.
The incident occurred while Edey remained closely tied to his alma mater. Purdue’s basketball social media pages featured him at Mackey Arena with fellow players and alumni on May 6.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Edey ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft following his record-breaking college career, which included leading Purdue to the national championship game. As he looks to follow up on a stellar rookie season that saw him average 9.2 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game, he’ll have to try and move past this incident as quickly and maturely as possible.
