LOS ANGELES — The night took a dramatic turn for NBA legend Paul Pierce when, just two weeks after being pulled aside on suspicion of impairment, he was formally charged with two criminal counts: driving under the influence (DUI) and driving with a blood-alcohol content above .08%. The charges were filed Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves through hoops circles and beyond.
Two criminal charges are filed against NBA icon Paul Pierce after his late-night arrest
According to arrest records obtained by TMZ, the incident dates back to October 7, when California Highway Patrol officers found Pierce asleep behind the wheel of his Range Rover in heavy traffic on U.S. Highway 101. Signs of impairment were reported. Pierce made headlines again when he took to social media over the weekend, insisting fatigue, not alcohol, was the culprit: “I’m old, I’m tired, and I fell asleep,” he wrote. TMZ
The timing of the formal charges puts the former Celtics star in an uncomfortable spotlight. Pierce, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, built a sterling career with nearly 20 seasons in the NBA, including championship glory in 2008. Now, this legal cloud threatens to define the moment. People.com+1
Pierce is scheduled for arraignment next month. While no deal has been announced, legal experts note that a plea bargain or diversion program is often on the table for first-time offenders in California DUI cases—but public scrutiny and a high-profile name raise the stakes. Teams, networks, and sponsors will be watching closely.
🔍 Past Incidents & Controversies
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In 2023, Pierce agreed to pay approximately $1.4 million to settle allegations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that he promoted a crypto token (EthereumMax) without disclosing the payment he received for the promotion.
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In 2024, a viral livestream incident emerged in which Pierce appeared to be intoxicated during a home poker game streamed on Instagram Live — ultimately leading to his dismissal from a broadcasting role.
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Social media scrutiny has also followed Pierce: his public comments, takes, and behavior have drawn criticism — including controversy over a viral video where he stomped on a New York Knicks jersey, prompting backlash.
These episodes show that while Pierce’s on‐court legacy remains stellar, his off‐court reputation has been marked by a series of high‐profile incidents. With the newly reported DUI charge adding to that history, analysts say this latest chapter will be closely watched — not just by legal observers, but by sponsors, media networks, and the broader fanbase.
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