NBA: Paul Pierce found asleep in car on highway, DUI investigation opened

Los Angeles police arrested Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics legend and Hall of Fame member, on suspicion of DUI. Officers found the 47-year-old former player asleep at the wheel of his Range Rover, stopped on Highway 101. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Pierce found asleep on highway after nearby accident

Around 10:40 PM, California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a multi-vehicle accident on the northbound lanes of the 101. Initially, officers closed four lanes for nearly an hour to secure the area and conduct their investigation. Then, when they reopened traffic, they spotted Pierce’s Range Rover stopped a few hundred meters away.

« Officers found the driver, identified as Paul Pierce, asleep at the wheel, » the CHP stated. Shortly after, officers noticed alcohol odor and slurred speech. They administered a breathalyzer test to Pierce, then took him into custody for driving under the influence. Authorities eventually cited and released him later that night.

Paul Pierce was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, per @TMZ.

The California Highway Patrol says Pierce was found asleep in his car sitting in the middle of traffic on the 101 freeway in LA, where officers conducted a DUI investigation. pic.twitter.com/5PpeD5eW8H

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 9, 2025

A legendary career marked by success now tarnished by this incident

Paul Pierce embodies the golden generation of the Boston Celtics. The club selected him 10th overall in the 1998 draft. For 15 seasons, he led the team to the NBA title in 2008 and won Finals MVP. Additionally, he was a ten-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA team member. In total, he scored over 26,000 points during his career.

After Boston, Pierce played for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017. In 2021, he entered the Hall of Fame. More recently, he co-hosted Speak on Fox Sports, which was canceled in July 2025.

Ongoing legal proceedings tarnishing a respected champion’s image

Currently, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office is reviewing the case. If charges are confirmed, Pierce will have to appear in court. Consequently, this incident tarnishes the image of a respected player, admired for his talent and honesty.