Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce was arrested in Los Angeles on Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence after authorities found him asleep at the wheel, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Pierce, 47, was found asleep in the driver’s seat of Range Rover SUV stopped on U.S. Highway 101, south of Lankershim Boulevard, according to a news release from CHP. At about 10:38 p.m., troopers had closed four of the highway’s six lanes to respond to an unrelated crash.
When the lanes were reopened about an hour later, officers said they spotted Pierce’s SUV stopped on the roadway just south of the crash site. After observing what they described as “signs of alcohol impairment,” they initiated a DUI investigation, the CHP said.
Pierce was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Former Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the NBA Championship Ring ceremony prior to the game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 22, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Paul Pierce Denies He Was Drunk in Instagram Post
Pierce, an NBA Hall of Famer, took to Instagram on Thursday in his first public remarks since the arrest, saying he wasn’t drunk.
“Imagine being stuck in stand still traffic for 45 mins and falling asleep 🤦🏾♂️ I took this picture that night because I never been in stand still traffic for this long,” Pierce wrote. “I’m old, I’m tired, and I fell asleep 🤷🏾♂️I’m good y’all thanks for the love.”
Dozens of people offered support to Pierce in the comments.
“Mannnnn. I’ve done this before,” one user wrote. “Living in LA with all this traffic you gon fall asleep once or twice.”
Others suggested the NBA champion call for a ride or order an Uber next time.
But CHP said Pierce was in violation of state law and they will present a case to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office.
Paul Pierce is NBA Hall of Famer, Former TV Personality
Pierce, nicknamed “The Truth,” had a 19-year NBA career, primarily with the Boston Celtics. He was a 10-time All-Star, 2008 NBA champion, and 2008 NBA Finals MVP. Known for his scoring ability, clutch performances, and versatility as a forward, Pierce also played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: Former NBA player Paul Pierce hypes up the crowd prior to game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
After retirement, Pierce transitioned into broadcasting and basketball analysis. He worked as an NBA analyst for ESPN before he was fired after videos emerged showing him smoking, drinking, and partying with women in revealing attire. Pierce briefly worked at Fox Sports 1 before being let go in July. He currently hosts his own podcast, “The Truth After Dark.”
Pierce has also remained active in basketball through mentoring younger players and participating in alumni events. Additionally, he has been involved in various business ventures and community initiatives, leveraging his celebrity status to support charitable causes and local programs.
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