NBA Legend Paul Pierce Arrested, Found Sleeping Behind Wheel And ‘Impaired’
The Truth had The Sleeps.
NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, known as "The Truth" from his Boston days, was arrested late on October 7, after officers found him asleep behind the wheel on the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, authorities said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers were responding to a multi-vehicle crash near Lankershim Boulevard around 11 p.m. when they spotted Pierce’s SUV stopped in the traffic lanes.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 07: Paul Pierce attends FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for FanDuel's Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify!)
TOPSHOT - Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce celebrates with his MVP trophy after winning Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals in Boston, Massachusetts, June 17, 2008. The Boston Celtics captured the National Basketball Association championship, routing the Los Angeles Lakers 131-92 to win the best-of-seven NBA Finals four games to two. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
When they approached, Pierce appeared to be asleep. Officers reported that he showed signs of impairment, prompting a DUI investigation.
Pierce was then arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was cited and released from custody, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review, according to officials.
For a player celebrated for his poise under pressure, the incident marks a bad turn.
Pierce spent most of his 19-year NBA career in Boston, where he became one of the franchise’s greatest figures. Pierce led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA Championship and captured Finals MVP honors.
Pierce later suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017.
Paul Pierce pulled over in Los Angeles after sleeping behind the wheel, possibly drunk. (Getty Images)
As of Thursday, no formal charges had been filed, and Pierce has not publicly commented on the arrest. The City Attorney’s Office will decide whether to pursue prosecution once its review is complete.
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela