Paul Pierce responded to his DUI arrest by blaming a 45-minute site visitors jam and fatigue, claiming he merely fell asleep behind the wheel on a Los Angeles freeway.
Paul Pierce blamed gridlocked site visitors and exhaustion for his DUI arrest after California Freeway Patrol officers discovered him asleep behind the wheel on a Los Angeles freeway Tuesday night time.
The 47-year-old NBA Corridor of Famer was found in his Vary Rover on the shoulder of U.S. Freeway 101 round 10:40 P.M., close to the scene of a multi-car wreck that had shut down a number of lanes.
Based on an announcement from CHP, officers “observed indicators of alcohol impairment” and arrested Pierce on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI.
Pierce broke his silence with an Instagram submit providing his model of occasions.
“Think about being caught in stand nonetheless site visitors for 45 minutes and falling asleep,” he wrote. “I took this image that night time as a result of I by no means been in stand nonetheless site visitors for this lengthy. I’m outdated, I’m drained, and I fell asleep. I’m good y’all thanks for the love.”
The arrest got here after officers reopened 4 of six lanes close to the crash website and noticed Pierce’s SUV parked simply south of the incident. He was reportedly alone within the automobile.
The case is now below evaluate by the Los Angeles metropolis legal professional, who will resolve whether or not to file formal expenses.
Pierce’s public clarification hinges on fatigue, not intoxication. He included a photograph of the site visitors jam in his submit as proof, although police say they noticed habits in line with alcohol use.
The previous Boston Celtics star spent 15 seasons with the franchise, incomes NBA Finals MVP honors in 2008 through the workforce’s championship run alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
He retired in 2017 after stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers, ending his profession with 26,397 factors—good for sixteenth on the NBA’s all-time scoring checklist.
Since leaving the courtroom, Pierce has labored in sports activities media, most lately as a co-host on Fox Sports activities’ “Converse” earlier than the present was canceled in July 2025.
Pierce has largely stayed out of hassle since retirement. Because the authorized course of unfolds, Pierce’s future in broadcasting and public appearances may hinge on how the case is resolved.
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