NBA Legend Paul Pierce Arrested for DUI in Los Angeles

Paul Pierce arrested on drunk driving charges

Paul Pierce, a former Boston Celtics forward and NBA champion, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Los Angeles.

“When officers approached, they found the driver, later identified as Paul Pierce, asleep at the wheel...”

Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Los Angeles, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101.

The California Highway Patrol found Pierce asleep behind the wheel of his Range Rover on a freeway shortly before midnight on Tuesday. He was taken into custody and his case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles City Attorney's office.

When the lanes reopened around 11:35 p.m., officers noticed a Range Rover SUV stopped in traffic, with Pierce asleep at the wheel. “When officers approached, they found the driver, later identified as Paul Pierce, asleep at the wheel,” the CHP said. “Officers noted signs of alcohol impairment and conducted a DUI investigation.”

Pierce, a 10-time NBA All-Star and 2008 NBA Finals MVP, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. His case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles city attorney. Pierce has not publicly commented on the arrest, but shared a video of himself playing basketball on social media the following day.

Paul Pierce gave his side of the story on the circumstances that ended with his arrest on DUI charges Thursday night 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZzLfvhDZ6d

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 10, 2025

Paul Pierce, the 47-year-old NBA legend, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The CHP will present his case to the Los Angeles City Attorney's office for review.

Pierce, a Celtics icon and 2008 NBA Finals MVP, has a storied basketball career. He was part of Boston's “big three” alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, leading the team to a championship in 2008. The Los Angeles native attended high school in Inglewood, California, before being drafted 10th overall by the Celtics in 1998.

During his 19-year NBA career, Pierce played for several teams, including the Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers. He retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.