Paul Pierce was released from ESPN in 2021. He had been working with the media company since retiring from his legendary NBA career, where he helped the Boston Celtics win a championship in 2008. His release from the company followed an Instagram Live that saw Pierce partying with a number of people, including multiple dancers.
In the video, people can be seen smoking and drinking. Pierce appeared inebriated during the live video. The footage quickly went viral. During a recent episode of his new podcast, “The Truth Lounge,” Pierce discussed his well-documented exit.
“It was all going down,” Pierce said. “It was my boy’s birthday. Poker game. And I’m feeling good. I’m enjoying retirement. It’s poker night…I was caught in the moment. What you want me to do? I’m in the moment…Me not knowing that you can record it, people can record it, send it out. That’s one thing I didn’t know about going live…Then, I got the call the next day, ‘Hey, Mr. Pierce. I’m sorry, we’re going to let you go. Disney has a morals clause.’ I was like, damn…I got fired for literally having a good time.”
Since leaving ESPN, Pierce has become a successful podcaster alongside Kevin Garnett on the “KG Certified” podcast and has begun branching out within the Showtime podcast sphere.
In a new SI exclusive with Chris Mannix, Paul Pierce details his fallout with ESPN https://t.co/Pd53ZFVKUN
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 7, 2021
Nevertheless, Pierce’s release from ESPN didn’t sit right with him, which is why he used the opening minutes of his debut podcast to set the record straight. Now, he’ll likely focus on pushing his career forward in the new mediums he’s embracing. The Truth knows how to win, so it’s going to be fun watching him on this journey.
Listen to the “Green With Envy” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DoLhYK
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Oj4dhD
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3K8MbvY
