Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of driving under the influence after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle in the middle of traffic.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Los Angeles, where California Highway Patrol officers responded to a multi-vehicle accident on the northbound 101 Freeway near Lankershim Boulevard. As traffic began to clear, officers noticed a Range Rover idling in the center lanes, obstructing the flow of vehicles. Upon approaching the SUV, they discovered Pierce unconscious behind the wheel, exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment.
According to law enforcement sources, Pierce was cooperative during the encounter but appeared disoriented and impaired. A field sobriety test was administered, and he was subsequently taken into custody on misdemeanor DUI charges. He was booked at the CHP Central Los Angeles Area office and later released. The case is expected to be reviewed by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office in the coming days.
Pierce, 47, has remained a prominent figure in sports media since retiring from professional basketball in 2017. Best known for his 15-season tenure with the Boston Celtics, he earned ten All-Star selections and led the team to an NBA Championship in 2008, where he was named Finals MVP. His post-retirement career has been marked by both success and controversy. After a stint as an analyst with ESPN, he was dismissed in 2021 following a social media incident. More recently, he co-hosted Fox Sports’ talk show “Speak,” which was canceled earlier this year. He currently hosts a podcast titled “The Truth After Dark,” a nod to his nickname during his playing days.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of off-court controversies that have shadowed Pierce’s post-NBA life. While no injuries were reported in connection with the arrest, the circumstances, being found asleep in a running vehicle in active traffic, have raised concerns about his well-being and judgment.
