Reports indicate that Paul Pierce, a celebrated figure in Boston Celtics history, was apprehended on suspicion of driving under the influence in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The California Highway Patrol conveyed this information to several news outlets in both California and Boston.
It’s been stated that Pierce, aged 47, was discovered asleep inside his vehicle on a Los Angeles freeway subsequent to 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Law enforcement officials were initially dispatched to the location to investigate a collision involving multiple vehicles in the northbound lanes of the 101 freeway. During their investigation into the crash, officers noticed a Range Rover SUV stationary in one of the lanes on the freeway, situated south of the accident.
Pierce was reportedly found slumbering in the driver’s seat of the Range Rover. According to reports, officers observed indicators suggesting impairment and initiated a DUI investigation. He was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Authorities stated that Pierce’s case will be “presented to the Los Angeles City Attorney for review,” according to WCVB reports.
Despite dedicating a significant portion of his NBA career to Boston, Pierce’s origins lie in California, where he was born and raised. Born in Oakland, Pierce honed his basketball skills at Inglewood High School. His exceptional talent earned him a spot in the prestigious 1995 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Pierce’s collegiate basketball journey took him to Kansas before the Celtics selected him as the No. 10 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. During his illustrious 15-year tenure with the Celtics, Pierce solidified his place in basketball history, leading the team to a championship victory and achieving Hall of Fame status.
As his career progressed, Pierce also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards before concluding his playing days with the Los Angeles Clippers for two seasons.
After retiring from professional basketball, Pierce transitioned into a role as an NBA analyst at ESPN from 2017 to 2021. However, his tenure with the network came to an end following the live streaming of a video capturing a party.
In 2024, Pierce joined FS1 as an analyst. He recently garnered attention in May when he embarked on a 20-mile walk to work after a daring prediction about the Celtics proved inaccurate.
