Former NBA star Pierce arrested for suspected DUI

Improved Headline: Paul Pierce Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in Los Angeles Following Standstill Traffic Incident

Former NBA star Paul Pierce was apprehended Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence on a Los Angeles highway. The incident occurred after Pierce was discovered asleep at the wheel of his vehicle by California Highway Patrol officers.

Details of the Incident on U.S. Highway 101

The arrest unfolded when officers responded to an unrelated multi-vehicle accident on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 at about 10:40 p.m. The crash led to the closure of four out of the six lanes for an hour as investigations were conducted. Upon reopening the lanes, officers noticed a stationary Range Rover SUV and found Pierce asleep inside.

Signs of Alcohol Impairment Observed

State police indicated signs of alcohol impairment upon discovering Pierce. Consequently, a DUI investigation was initiated, resulting in his arrest on a misdemeanor charge. The case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles city attorney.

Paul Pierce’s Statement and Basketball Career

In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, Pierce explained that he had fallen asleep during standstill traffic. A prominent figure in the NBA, Pierce had a 15-season tenure with the Boston Celtics and later played for the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Washington Wizards before retiring in 2017. The 10-time All-Star was the MVP of the 2008 NBA Finals and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Career Beyond the Court

Beyond his playing days, Pierce was recently a co-host on “Speak,” a sports talk show on Fox Sports, which was canceled in July 2025. Emegypt continues to monitor developments in his case and will provide updates as they become available.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.