Major waves are crashing through this chaotic NBA offseason. Amazon Prime snagging exclusive broadcast rights has already sent shockwaves across the league’s media. Now, Fox Sports 1 is reportedly overhauling its programming lineup, cutting ties with several longtime network staples. In simple words, Fox Sports 1 is clearing its house. But will the rumor of Taylor impact Paul Pierce’s future with Fox? 

Speak, Breakfast Ball, and The Facility have all been axed, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Joy Taylor, host of Speak, is reportedly out once her contract expires. Marchand also reported that Taylor’s public image took a major hit amid allegations she created a toxic work environment. That fallout isn’t stopping with her. Paul Pierce’s future at Fox is now under serious scrutiny as the network reevaluates its on-air roster.

Fans caught wind of Joy Taylor’s reported exit the moment The Athletic’s post hit X. The post read, “BREAKING: Joy Taylor is out at Fox Sports, sources tell @AndrewMarchand. The decision comes as part of a series of moves that will also see the network’s cable arm, FS1, cancel “Speak,” the show Taylor co-hosts, as well as its two morning programs.” Yes, this post tells us about the current status of Taylor. But it does not tell the whole story. Because there are a few more who might find themselves in this turmoil. And Paul is among them.

The other names tied to Fox’s canceled lineup include former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho and New York radio staple Craig Carton. Also out: ex-Pro Bowler Keyshawn Johnson and Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce. So, in a nutshell, it’s a mass reshuffle that’s rattling Fox Sports’ talent roster heading into a high-stakes season. With those shows scrapped, these big names will hunt for fresh gigs. But the most interesting part is that a few months back, fans demanded Paul Pierce step down from the very show he’s now losing. Did you know that?

Paul Pierce’s Boldest Take Yet—and the Fallout That Followed

Paul Pierce’s name has long been tied to unapologetic takes and one of the most ruthless scoring careers in basketball history. His unfiltered opinions often land him in hot water, sparking controversy almost as often as highlight reels. A few months back, it happened again. Pierce dropped a take so blunt, fans lit up social media and demanded he tone it down or step away entirely.

Paul Pierce, a 19-year NBA veteran, served as a co-host on FS1’s Speak alongside Joy Taylor and Keyshawn Johnson (until recently). During one episode, the Hall of Famer reacted to LeBron James naming Kevin Durant the “most equipped” scorer in NBA history. Pierce’s response? Let’s just say it raised more than a few eyebrows.

“I was probably the best pure scorer ever in the history of the NBA,” Paul Pierce boldly claimed on Speak. He added, “I was pretty equipped when I think about it, I need to be in this conversation… I must have been one of the most equipped.” Now, to be fair, Pierce was a 10-time All-Star and one of the league’s deadliest sharpshooters. But calling himself the “best pure scorer” felt like a stretch even for The Truth. Fans weren’t having it, and they made sure he heard about it.

Back then, some fans laughed off Pierce’s bold claim. Others were so fed up, they called for Fox to drop him from Speak. Social media didn’t hold back. One fan posted, “Sign. Real. Journalists. For. Sports. Shows.” Another called it “One of the more ridiculous statements I’ve heard.” Pierce, true to form, ignored those outrageous comments and stayed silent. But now, with Fox Sports’ entire lineup in flux, fans wonder if the Boston Celtics legend will finally address the noise or not.