Dustin Bradford/Getty ImagesPaul Pierce gave his side of the story regarding his now infamous Instagram Live video that led to his ESPN exit in 2021, saying that he "got fired for literally having a good time."
Pierce, a 10-time All-Star and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, released a video on Instagram Live in April 2021 showing him and others enjoying themselves at a party. The video featured him and others enjoying the company of dancers while he and others were smoking and drinking. Pierce was also seen getting a massage.
It didn't appear as if anything illegal was going on. However, Pierce said in this video (the first episode of his new series, The Truth Lounge) that he was later fired for violating a morals clause in his contract.
The then-ESPN commentator had been working for the network for four years. Pierce didn't seem to mind the firing, saying he was going to leave soon anyway and that he was tired of wearing a suit-and-tie.
So perhaps both sides ultimately got what they wanted anyway. ESPN moved on with new talent on its basketball talk shows, while Pierce appears to be content and living his best life right now in his post-retirement days.
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