Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, famously known as “The Truth,” recently found himself at the center of controversy following an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence on a Los Angeles highway. The incident unfolded when police discovered him asleep at the wheel, sparking widespread media attention.

This development has brought renewed focus to Pierce’s life post-retirement, particularly after his 2017 exit from the NBA and his 2021 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. As fans and the public delve into his personal life, many are revisiting the story of his family and his significant past relationship with Julie Landrum.

Paul Pierce and Julie Landrum: A Former Partnership

For more than a decade, Paul Pierce’s personal life was closely tied to Julie Landrum, a distinguished interior designer and philanthropist from St. Louis, Missouri. Their journey began in 2005 after meeting at the NBA All-Star Weekend. Pierce once recalled the immediate connection they shared, which quickly blossomed into a deep bond, eventually leading them to move in together.

The couple made their union official in 2010, building a family of five with the addition of three children: daughters Prianna Lee in 2008 and Adrian Tanya in 2011, followed by a son, Prince Paul, in 2013. Pierce often expressed his delight in fatherhood, humorously hinting at his son’s potential future in basketball, saying, “In the next 18 years, world, Celtics fans, look out.”

Navigating Divorce and New Perspectives on Marriage

However, the 13-year marriage concluded with their divorce finalized in 2023. Pierce announced his new relationship status to the world through a straightforward social media post: “I’m single, what’s up.” In the aftermath of his split, the former NBA star has been openly sharing his candid thoughts on marriage.

On his podcast, “The Truth After Dark,” Pierce controversially suggested that marriage is best suited for “old people and poor people,” arguing that it provides “no advantage” for men, especially when relationships dissolve due to financial implications like asset division and child support. Despite his outspoken views, he maintains that he does not regret his marriage, describing it as a “learning experience.”

Paul Pierce DUI Arrest: Asleep at the Wheel on the 101 Freeway

The recent incident occurred on the night of October 9, 2025, on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 in Los Angeles. California Highway Patrol officers were at the scene clearing a separate multi-vehicle crash when, around 11:35 p.m., they noticed a black Range Rover SUV stopped in the traffic lanes.

Upon approach, they discovered Pierce asleep at the wheel and, after waking him, observed clear signs of alcohol impairment. This led to a DUI investigation and his subsequent arrest on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. The case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

Paul Pierce was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, per @TMZ.

The California Highway Patrol says Pierce was found asleep in his car sitting in the middle of traffic on the 101 freeway in LA, where officers conducted a DUI investigation. pic.twitter.com/5PpeD5eW8H

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 9, 2025

Life After the NBA and Looking Ahead

This arrest marks another pivotal moment in Pierce’s post-basketball career. His professional life has seen significant changes, including the cancellation of the FS1 sports talk show “Speak,” which he co-hosted, in July 2025.

He now focuses on his podcast, “The Truth After Dark,” where he has shared many of his personal views. While his future path remains uncertain, this event underscores the ongoing transition for the 10-time All-Star and NBA Finals MVP from a celebrated athlete on the court to a man navigating the complexities of life in the public eye.