NBA legend Paul Pierce may have found himself in the back of a squad car earlier this week on some troubling charges.
According to TMZ Sports, Pierce was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after being found asleep in the driver’s seat of his car while in the middle of traffic on the freeway. Per the report, Pierce was investigated for signs of driving under the influence of alcohol and subsequently arrested him.
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“Officers noted signs of alcohol impairment and conducted a DUI investigation,” the California Highway Patrol said in their report. “Pierce was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, a violation of California Vehicle Code 23152(a), and taken to the CHP Central Los Angeles Area office.”
As of writing, it’s not clear what happened to Pierce after his arrest. Though judging by his recent social media activity, he’s currently a free man. He’s been posting highlights of his podcast on his Instagram page and shared a few photos and videos of himself preparing to get his day started in his Instagram Story.
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Pierce is not currently working for any major network, having parted ways with FOX this past summer.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: A close up shot of NBA Legend, Paul Pierce smiling on court before the LA Clippers game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)Chris Elise/Getty Images
Paul Pierce’s Basketball Career
Pierce, nicknamed “The Truth,” is one of the most celebrated players in NBA history, known for his scoring ability, clutch performances, and longevity. Drafted 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in 1998, Pierce quickly established himself as a versatile small forward with a deadly mid-range jumper and an ability to create shots under pressure. Over his 19-year career, he was a 10-time NBA All-Star, earned the 2008 NBA Finals MVP, and became the centerpiece of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team, helping Boston capture its first title since 1986. Pierce consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers and was known for his resilience in high-stakes moments, including multiple memorable playoff series where he carried the Celtics offensively.
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After his long tenure with Boston, Pierce had stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers, providing veteran leadership and floor spacing for playoff-bound teams. He retired in 2017 with over 26,000 career points, ranking him among the top scorers in NBA history. Beyond his statistics, Pierce’s impact on the game extended to his reputation as a clutch performer and leader, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike. In 2021, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.