California Highway Patrol Arrests Paul Pierce for DUI After Finding Him Asleep Behind Wheel on 101 Freeway

California Highway Patrol officers arrested Hall of Famer Paul Pierce on suspicion of DUI after finding him asleep behind the wheel on U.S. Highway 101 late Tuesday.

“Former NBA star Paul Pierce was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles after police found him asleep behind the wheel Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after California Highway Patrol officers found him asleep in his car on a Los Angeles highway late Tuesday night”

The Express Tribune

Multiple outlets noted the stop followed a multi-vehicle crash that had caused heavy traffic delays.

The Express Tribune

Reports consistently state that officers observed signs of alcohol impairment before a misdemeanor DUI booking or citation.

The Los Angeles City Attorney will review the case.

Local reporting identifies the area near Universal City, while national outlets describe it broadly as a Los Angeles highway incident.

Pierce is 47 years old and was later released following processing, according to several accounts.

Accounts differ on the exact timing and traffic context of the incident.

Several outlets cite a 10:40 p.m. discovery time, while at least one places it around 11:40 p.m.

Ice Cream Conversations

Multiple reports say CHP encountered Pierce’s stopped Range Rover after lanes had been closed and then reopened due to a separate multi-vehicle crash.

This underscores that the DUI stop unfolded amid residual congestion on the 101.

Local and regional outlets also vary on the geographic tag, from the San Fernando Valley to near Universal City.

Descriptions of the initial enforcement and legal handling vary across sources.

“From “The Truth” to “old” and “tired”

New York Post

Some outlets emphasize booking at CHP’s Central Los Angeles office before release.

Others simply note that the individual was cited and released.

Several sources highlight a misdemeanor DUI and review by the City Attorney.

At least one source specifies California Vehicle Code 23152(a).

All reports agree that the case remains under review by the Los Angeles City Attorney.

Pierce’s public response has been framed differently by various outlets.

Several sources report that he said on Instagram he fell asleep after being stuck in standstill traffic for 45 minutes.

Baller Alert

CBS Sports quoted him saying, “I’m old, I’m tired and I fell asleep.”

Tabloid and team-focused sites emphasize denial or downplaying of the situation.

Some outlets mention he did not directly address allegations related to driving under the influence.

Others report that he denied any impairment or involvement with alcohol outright.

Many characterize his post as lighthearted.

Coverage of Pierce’s background and the broader narrative also diverges.

“I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent”

The Independent

Mainstream and ‘Other’ outlets focus on his 19-season NBA career with the Celtics and recent media roles.

The Independent

Some outlets note a departure from Fox Sports or a canceled talk show in 2025.

One outlet introduces conflicting details, claiming officers observed erratic driving and that Pierce works for ESPN, which contrasts with multiple reports.

Some pieces include team-centric or off-topic notes, such as a recent podcast and a prediction about a 2025 Celtics title.

Another outlet provides no article text at all.