ESPN has parted ways with NBA legend Paul Pierce, sources told Front Office Sports.
Pierce shared live Instagram video of himself smoking and playing poker in a room full of exotic dancers on Friday night.
The former NBA Finals MVP has played a key role on “NBA Countdown,” Rachel Nichols’ weekday show “The Jump,” and other ESPN basketball programming.
Nicknamed “The Truth,” Pierce joined ESPN full-time ahead of the 2017-2018 season. He won an NBA championship in 2008 as part of the Boston Celtics “Big Three” along with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
The 43-year old Pierce was earning around $1.5 million annually from ESPN for his on-air gig, said one source. During his 19-year NBA career, mostly with the Celtics, Pierce earned $195.1 million, according to Spotrac.
On Monday night, Pierce posted a cryptic video of himself laughing on Twitter with the message: “Big Things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile. #Truthshallsetufree.”
ESPN declined to comment.
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