Legendary NBA Star Paul Pierce Arrested: Scandal Shakes Basketball World

Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was arrested this week in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol. The NBA champion and Hall of Famer was found asleep behind the wheel of his car on a freeway just before midnight Tuesday.

Police discovered Pierce's vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic lanes without moving. Officers had been managing lane closures due to an earlier traffic accident on the highway. When they reopened the lanes, they noticed Pierce's car wasn't moving with the flow of traffic and approached to investigate.

The 46-year-old Pierce spent most of his career with the Celtics, where he became a franchise legend. He helped lead Boston to the 2008 NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honors that year. After retiring in 2017, Pierce was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

DUI arrests involving high-profile athletes often draw significant media attention and can impact endorsement deals and broadcasting opportunities. Pierce has worked as an NBA analyst since retiring from professional basketball.

The California Highway Patrol hasn't released additional details about the arrest or Pierce's condition at the time. DUI charges in California can result in license suspension, fines, and potential jail time, especially for repeat offenses.