Former Syracuse guard Brendan Paul was arrested on Monday on two drug-related charges in Miami-Dade (Florida) County, according to police records.
The arrest coincided with federal agents conducting raids on properties owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an alleged SE trafficking investigation, law enforcement sources informed the Associated Press.
Paul’s arrest at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport involved felony charges for possession of suspected cocaine and possession of suspected marijuana candy, as detailed in an arrest affidavit obtained by USA TODAY. Law enforcement officers discovered cocaine and edibles in Paul’s travel bags. He was released on a $2,500 bond on Tuesday, with a hearing scheduled for April 24.
Although the timing of Paul’s arrest coincided with the raids on Combs’ properties, it was not directly related to those events. However, Paul’s name has been linked to the allegations of sex trafficking involving Combs.
In February, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a federal lawsuit accusing Combs of SE abuse, where he also implicated Paul, stating that Paul “works as Mr. Combs’ mule. He acquires and distributes Mr. Combs drugs and guns.” Combs denied the SE assault allegations in December.
Paul’s attorney, Brian Bieber, emphasized that they do not intend to prosecute the case through the media and that all matters will be addressed in court.
Paul joined the Syracuse men’s basketball team as a walk-on in 2018 and appeared in 16 games over two seasons. He later transferred to Division-II Fairmont State, where he played 35 games across two seasons for the Fighting Falcons, concluding his collegiate career there.
