Former Syracuse guard Brendan Paul was arrested on Monday on two drug-related charges, according to records from Miami-Dade County police. The arrest occurred as federal agents conducted raids on properties belonging to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an alleged sex trafficking investigation, law enforcement sources informed the Associated Press.
Paul was apprehended at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on felony charges related to the possession of suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana candy, as per an arrest affidavit obtained by USA TODAY. The affidavit noted that officers discovered cocaine and edibles in Paul’s travel bags. He was released on a $2,500 bond on Tuesday, with a scheduled hearing for April 24.
Although the timing coincided with the raids on Combs’ properties, Paul’s arrest was not connected to them. However, Paul’s name has been mentioned in connection with Combs’ sex trafficking allegations.
In February, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a federal lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual abuse against men and women. Jones also claimed that Paul “works as Mr. Combs’ mule, acquiring and distributing drugs and guns.” Combs had denied the sexual assault allegations in December.
Brian Bieber, Paul’s attorney, stated to The Athletic, “We do not intend to litigate this case through the media— all matters will be addressed in court.”
Paul began his basketball career as a walk-on for the Syracuse men’s basketball team in 2018, participating in 16 games over two seasons. He concluded his collegiate tenure at Division-II Fairmont State, where he played in 35 games across two seasons for the Fighting Falcons.
