Paul Pierce responded to his DUI arrest by blaming a 45-minute visitors jam and fatigue, claiming he merely fell asleep behind the wheel on a Los Angeles freeway.

Paul Pierce blamed gridlocked visitors and exhaustion for his DUI arrest after California Highway Patrol officers discovered him asleep behind the wheel on a Los Angeles freeway Tuesday night time.

The 47-year-old NBA Hall of Famer was found in his Range Rover on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 101 round 10:40 P.M., close to the scene of a multi-car wreck that had shut down a number of lanes.

According to an announcement from CHP, officers “noticed signs of alcohol impairment” and arrested Pierce on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI.

Pierce broke his silence with an Instagram submit providing his model of occasions.

“Imagine being stuck in stand still traffic for 45 mins and falling asleep,” he wrote. “I took this picture that night because I never been in stand still traffic for this long. I’m old, I’m tired, 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 determine whether or not to file formal prices.

Pierce’s public rationalization hinges on fatigue, not intoxication. He included a photograph of the visitors jam in his submit as proof, although police say they noticed habits per alcohol use.

The former Boston Celtics star spent 15 seasons with the franchise, incomes NBA Finals MVP honors in 2008 in the course of 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 not too long ago as a co-host on Fox Sports’ “Speak” earlier than the present was canceled in July 2025.

Pierce has largely stayed out of bother since retirement. As 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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