The Indiana Pacers secured a victory against the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday, leveling the series at two games each.
During Monday’s live episode of Undisputed on FS1, Skip Bayless, Keyshawn Johnson, and Paul Pierce analyzed the game. Pierce made a significant mistake while discussing Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo’s performance in the first three games of the series with Johnson.
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“In the first three games, look at this n***a, Key,” Pierce said. Johnson played it off like nothing happened but the shock in Bayless’ face said it all. Pierce knew exactly what he had done and gave a subtle gasp before continuing to speak.
Fans caught the moment and the footage began to surface on the internet. Now fans are worried about Pierce’s job security after the mistake and have expressed their concerns on social media.
Paul Pierce, a former NBA star known for his time with the Boston Celtics, was previously fired from ESPN after he found himself at the center of controversy for his role as an NBA analyst at ESPN. The decision to let go of Pierce came after he posted a controversial video on social media that raised eyebrows and drew criticism from fans and media alike.
In the now-deleted Instagram Live video, Pierce can be seen smoking what appears to be marijuana and surrounded by exotic dancers. The video quickly went viral, with many questioning the judgment of the former basketball player and ESPN for allowing such behavior to be associated with the network.
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ESPN wasted no time in cutting ties with Pierce, releasing a statement that read, “Paul Pierce has been a significant part of our NBA coverage over the past couple of years. However, we have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”
While some may argue that Pierce’s behavior was his own personal choice and should not have affected his job, others believe that as a public figure and representative of ESPN, he should have conducted himself in a more professional manner.
