Paul Pierce sacked by ESPN after posting wild Instagram live video
ESPN has reportedly parted ways with Paul Pierce just days after the retired NBA great posted a wild Instagram live video.
According to Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy, Pierce no longer works for ESPN as an analyst.
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Pierce has worked for ESPN since he retired from the NBA after the 2016-17 season.
He has been a staple on 'NBA Countdown', 'The Jump' and other NBA coverage for the network.
Pierce posted a live video on Instagram on Friday night in a room full of scantily-clad dancers while smoking, drinking and playing poker with his friends - all while clearly ignoring basic COVID-19 safety protocols.
The videos made waves on social media, both during the live broadcast and after.
Pierce didn't seem too bothered by the news of his sacking, posted a four-second video of him just laughing on Monday afternoon.
“Big things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile #Truthshallsetufree,” he wrote.
Big Things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile #Truthshallsetufree pic.twitter.com/YIaJMcNQoH
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) April 5, 2021
ESPN declined to comment to Front Office Sports on the news, and Pierce has yet to comment further.
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Pierce may have kept his job if he wasn't the one who willingly posted the video.
“According to sources, ESPN was particularly miffed that Pierce chose to put the videos out on his own accord,” Marchand said.
“If he had been filmed doing the same activities and they became public by someone else, he may have kept his job.”
Forgot to hit that close friends 🥴😂
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 3, 2021
Paul pierce a sicko 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— kuz (@kylekuzma) April 3, 2021
Where is the cancel culture for Paul Pierce and his disgusting IG live video @espn @Disney
— Justin belgarde (@Grande17) April 4, 2021
Paul Pierce named finalist for NBA Hall of Fame
Pierce played 19 seasons in the NBA from 1998-2017, almost entirely for the Boston Celtics.
The 10-time All-Star helped lead Boston to a title in 2008, when he was named the Finals MVP, and averaged nearly 22 points and six rebounds per game over his 15 seasons with the franchise.
The 43-year-old wrapped up his career with short stints at the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers.
The married father of three was also named a finalist for the 2021 Hall of Fame class last month.
with Ryan Young - Yahoo Sports US
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