Saturday, May 9, 2026

Paul Pierce Out at ESPN After Going on Instagram Live With Strippers

  • Pierce was seen with exotic dancers in an Instagram Live video.
  • Nicknamed ‘The Truth,’ Pierce played key roles on ‘NBA Countdown’ and ‘The Jump.’
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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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