ESPN has fired NBA analyst and former NBA player Paul Pierce after a rather “interesting” Instagram Live video over the weekend. The video in question showed what appeared to be Paul Pierce and two strippers in the background. It also appears that none of the people in the video are wearing masks or practicing social distancing, which is a bad thing after the year we all had.
Paul Pierce really threw it all away for 315 live viewers😭 pic.twitter.com/Jet2HzE9Iw
— 𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒 (@HoopMixOnly) April 6, 2021
Effective this past Monday, the sports network terminated its contract with the former Boston Celtics player. While neither Paul Peirce nor ESPN made a statement following the firing, but many assume the racy video may have been the final straw ESPN. ESPN is also owned by Walt Disney Company, one of the biggest family-friendly companies. Walt Disney has long been adamant about its image when it comes to the brand. While under contract with the company, Disney makes sure its clients are following its guidelines. Clearly seeing Paul Pierce in a video with two strippers isn’t something that goes well with the iconic happy Mickey Mouse.
I can’t lose even when I lose I’m winning 🤔🤔😳😃😃😃
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) April 6, 2021
Paul Pierce was hired by ESPN just right before the 2017 NBA season. From there, Pierce worked as an NBA analyst for various ESPN shows like “The Jump” and “NBA Countdown.”
Shortly after the firing, the news began to trend on Twitter. Paul Pierce posted a cryptic message to his account. Pierce posted a short video of him smiling with the caption, “Big Things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile #Truthshallsetufree.” On Monday, Paul Pierce posted another tweet, “I can’t lose even when I lose I’m winning.”
Big Things coming soon stay tuned make sure u smile #Truthshallsetufree pic.twitter.com/YIaJMcNQoH
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) April 5, 2021
Paul Pierce played an important role within the Boston Celtics organization during his 19 career span. Pierce played in the NBA from 1998-2017, almost entirely for the Boston Celtics. The 10-time All-Star helped lead Boston to an NBA Championship 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. Pierce then wrapped up his career with short stints on the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and then the Los Angeles Clippers.
