In a stunning development that has rocked the world of professional basketball, Alex Bazzell, renowned skills coach and husband of Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, was arrested e this morning at St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP). Authorities discovered what they described as an illegal substance concealed in his luggage during a routine security screening, sources close to the investigation revealed.
The incident unfolded around 6:45 a.m. as Bazzell, 34, prepared to board a private charter flight bound for Chicago, where he was scheduled to conduct a training session for aspiring NBA prospects. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers flagged an anomaly in his carry-on bag during X-ray scans, prompting a deeper inspection. Inside a concealed compartment, agents uncovered approximately 2.5 ounces of a white powdery substance later field-tested as positive for cocaine, according to a preliminary police report obtained by this outlet. Bazzell was immediately detained without incident and transferred to Ramsey County custody, where he faces felony charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Bazzell, a former collegiate standout and co-founder of Unrivaled Basketball alongside Collier, has built a stellar reputation training elite athletes like Kyrie Irving and Trae Young. The couple, married since 2022 and parents to 3-year-old daughter Mila, have been fixtures in the Twin Cities sports scene. Collier, fresh off a stellar WNBA season where she averaged 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, was not present at the airport and could not be reached for comment. A Lynx spokesperson issued a brief statement: “We are aware of the situation and are supporting Napheesa and her family during this difficult time.”
Eyewitnesses at the bustling general aviation hub described a tense scene, with federal agents cordoning off the terminal as K-9 units swept the area. “It was chaos—everyone was whispering about who it was,” said airport employee Maria Gonzalez, who works the early shift. “He didn’t look like the type, you know? Always so professional.” Bazzell’s attorney, Michael Hargrove, released a statement denying the allegations: “Alex is a dedicated father and coach. This is a misunderstanding, and we expect full exoneration once the facts come to light. He voluntarily cooperated with authorities.”
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny on airport security protocols, following a series of high-profile incidents at Minnesota facilities. St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry addressed the media midday, emphasizing, “We take public safety seriously, especially in aviation. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to avoid speculation.” Federal prosecutors have yet to confirm if charges will escalate to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, given the airport’s federal jurisdiction.
For the Collier-Bazzell family, long admired for their resilience—Napheesa overcame a torn ACL to lead the Lynx to the playoffs—this marks a jarring pivot. Friends close to the couple expressed shock, with one telling reporters, “Alex is the last person you’d suspect. This has to be a mistake.” As bail hearings loom tomorrow, the basketball community holds its breath, wondering if this powder keg will derail a promising legacy.
