Ex-NBA star Paul Pierce reportedly blurts N-word on live TV, fans react (video)

Former NBA star Paul Pierce has been a walking blunder ever since he retired from the league.

On May 13, the Boston Celtics legend blurted out a racial epithet on live TV during the airing of the “Undisputed” morning sports talk show.

Pierce — who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008 and competed for another in 2010 — was discussing what is ailing the New York Knicks, who lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 12. Specifically, Pierce was dissecting the play of Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo when let the N-word tumbled out of his mouth on live TV. 

“In the first three games … look at this, look at this n—-, Key Key [speaking to co-host Keyshawn Johnson] … DiVincenzo was averaging 29 points per game, 50 percent from the field …”

We Ain’t Finna See #PaulPierce On #Undisputed No Mo 😂🤣😂🤣 https://t.co/MkBYZBc2jB

— MDB (@MDBrooks32) May 13, 2024

The pregnant pause after the faux pas perhaps indicates that Pierce realized his mistake immediately. 

We Ain’t Finna See #PaulPierce On #Undisputed No Mo 😂🤣😂🤣 https://t.co/MkBYZBc2jB

— MDB (@MDBrooks32) May 13, 2024

While co-host Johnson did not indicate that he noticed Pierce’s verbal fumble, the main host Skip Bayless appeared to glare at Pierce momentarily before lowering his head and looking at the notes on his desk.

Here is an unedited version of the episode in question:

🙄 he needs to be fired immediately

There is no excuse for this and this is embarrassing for a black person to represent themselves like this on a forum@FOXSports #Undisputed #PaulPierce https://t.co/gyzsTLgvLV

— Slump God USMC 💪🏾 (@donmega1833) May 13, 2024

To be sure, Pierce did appear on the “Undisputed” show on May 14. Fox Sports has yet to respond to repeated inquiries about any punishment administered to Pierce.

This is not the first time Pierce has embarrassed himself in the public sphere. He was fired from his coveted sports analyst position at ESPN in 2021 when he aired an Instagram Live video showing himself smoking marijuana while scantily clad strippers paraded their bodies for the camera and worked the pole in the background.

Fans also submitted their sentiments on Pierce’s apparent miscue.

Mannnn get #PaulPierce up outta here! LOL

— With love 🤞🏾 (@kenyelxo) May 13, 2024

Paul Pierce thought he was on the ALL SMOKE PODCAST MATT BARNES & STEPHEN @undisputed @Matt_Barnes22@paulpierce34 @DaTrillStak5@Allthesmokewit1#paulpierce #undisputed #allthesmoke pic.twitter.com/uzLmy3IHqk

— maldollaz (@maldollaz) May 14, 2024

Tell me Paul Pierce didn’t just say that!!! This dude thinks he in the locker room and not on a set 😂💀 #paulpierce #undisputed #newyorkcity #newyorkknicks #knickstape #whathesaid #nba #nbaplayoffs #brunson #jalenbrunson #dontedivincenzo #joshhart #reels #comedy #newyorkforever pic.twitter.com/XBQSts6KnW

— J. Antonio Nunya 🇵🇷 (@TheBearded_Sumo) May 13, 2024