Paul Pierce, famously known as “The Truth” and a celebrated figure in Boston Celtics history, recently found himself in the spotlight for an unfortunate reason. Authorities arrested Pierce on suspicion of DUI after they discovered him asleep at the wheel on a Los Angeles freeway.

This incident has prompted a reevaluation of the Hall of Famer’s life following his retirement in 2017 and his 2021 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. As interest shifts towards Pierce’s activities off the court, many are revisiting his family narrative and his past long-term relationship with Julie Landrum.

Paul Pierce and Julie Landrum: A Former Partnership

For more than ten years, Paul Pierce shared his personal journey with Julie Landrum, a talented interior designer and philanthropist hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. Their story began in 2005 at the NBA All-Star Weekend, where Pierce recalled an immediate connection, describing how they quickly bonded, leading to cohabitation shortly after.

Their relationship was solidified in 2010 through marriage, and together they raised a family of five. They welcomed their daughters, Prianna Lee in 2008 and Adrian Tanya in 2011, followed by their son, Prince Paul, in 2013. Pierce often expressed immense joy in fatherhood, even playfully predicting a promising future for his son, remarking, “In the next 18 years, world, Celtics fans, look out.”

Navigating Divorce and New Perspectives on Marriage

In 2023, after 13 years of marriage, the couple finalized their divorce. Pierce acknowledged his new relationship status with a straightforward post on social media, stating, “I’m single, what’s up.” Since the separation, he has openly shared his candid views on marriage.

On his podcast, “The Truth After Dark,” he argued that marriage is for “old people and poor people,” explaining that he believes it offers “no advantage” for a man when relationships end, citing financial consequences like splitting assets and child support. Despite his strong views, he has clarified that he does not regret his own marriage, calling it 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.