Obviously Paul Pierce didn’t need to sit in custody for too long. Within the hour of the news of his supposed arrest, the Celtics legend was on social media to clear the air. According to multiple reports, Paul Pierce was arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence. The arrest stemmed from Pierce being found asleep behind the wheel of his parked SUV on a Los Angeles highway, according to California Highway Patrol.

Pierce was on his Instagram page pretty soon after to confirm that he indeed was sleeping in his car on the street. But it’s not for the reported reason.

Posting a picture of the logjam of a standard California traffic situation he was stuck in, Pierce wrote, “Imagine being stuck in stand still traffic for 45 mins and falling asleep 🤦🏾‍♂️ 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 image and his explanation sounds like an everyday situation for the average Los Angeles resident on their daily commute. (Although Pierce’s workday is a little unclear since being let go from FS1 and the cancellation of Speak.) Regardless, this seemingly went poorly for him.

Pierce is also blaming his age. He’ll turn 48 on October 13 and has made no health issues known. The last time he scared us was around a year ago when he suffered a gruesome hand injury that required surgery. That time too, The Truth was quick to jump online to assure fans he was okay.

A year after that accident, Pierce walked 20 miles to the FS1 studio in a robe and slippers to follow through on his bet after his Celtics lost to the Knicks. He was winded out – who wouldn’t be – but definitely not in concerningly bad health.

Given how quick he was able to return online and clarify the ‘arrest’ it appears that he managed to clear the air with the authorities too. Not that this update doesn’t have fans concerned either.

Paul Pierce alarmed fans

According to reports, there was a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 101 in the San Fernando Valley that brought traffic to a standstill. In this traffic was one NBA legend who calls Los Angeles home. Paul Pierce was in his Range Rover in traffic lanes south of the accident. The CHP said they had reopened lanes after the crash around 11:35 p.m. Around that time, they saw an SUV stopped on the highway.

“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.” 

They further stated,“Pierce was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, a violation of California Vehicle Code 23152(a).”

The 2008 champ was booked at the CHP Central Los Angeles area office on suspicion of DUI. He was released pretty quickly but the case will be presented to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review.

Fans were glad about Pierce’s response. Many related to the ‘old and tired’ feeling and others were just done with LA’s traffic problem. A few who were stuck in the same jam confirmed that it was a tiring situation. But most advised Pierce to take it easy.

Pierce currently has his podcast, Truth After Dark and appears on KG Certified with his teammate, Kevin Garnett. Since ESPN and FS1 fired him consecutively, he’s yet to find a regular sportscasting gig before the 2025-26 regular season begins.