ESPN, Paul Pierce Parting Ways Following Instagram Live Post With Strippers

ESPN is parting ways with NBA analyst/former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce. That news comes from a tweet from Michael McCarthy with Front Office Sports on Monday night, just days after Pierce had an Instagram Live post go viral.

"BREAKING: ESPN and NBA Legend Paul Pierce have parted ways, according to sources," McCarthy tweeted. "Pierce posted videos of himself with exotic dancers on Instagram Live Friday night. Pierce has played a key role on 'NBA Countdown' + other ESPN basketball programming. ESPN declined to comment."






Former OutKick writer Ryan Glasspiegel was actually the first to break the news.






ESPN will put up with a lot -- and I mean A LOT -- but apparently, they draw the line at what we saw in that Instagram Live video. The combination of smoking, drinking and playing poker with strippers is simply too much, especially for a guy who's married with children.

Who knew?

Pierce has been a part of the crew at ESPN since he retired from his 20-year career in the NBA. He spent a majority of his career in Boston, but also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2013-14), Washington Wizards (2014-15) and Los Angeles Clippers (2015-17).

He won an NBA championship in 2008 and was named Finals MVP after averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds. In his career, he was also a 10-time All-Star. He was the No. 10 overall pick of the 1998 NBA Draft.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.









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Clint Lamb is a College Football Writer for OutKick. Managing Editor for Roll Tide Wire. Sports radio host for The Bullpen on 730/103.9 The UMP. Co-host for The 'Bama Beat podcast through The Tuscaloosa News and TideSports.com.