AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file
Paul Pierce, a Boston Celtics legend, spoke out about the April video that made him lose his job at ESPN.
Andrew Marchand, New York Post reporter, reported that Pierce was fired by ESPN after he posted an Instagram video that showed him smoking marijuana while surrounded by barely dressed women.
Pierce spoke with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated Tuesday to say that Jeff Schwartz, his long-time agent suggested that he remove the video so it wouldn't hurt his chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Pierce refused to do so and explained why
"Come on, it wasn't illegal. These motherf-kkers are in the Hall of Fame. Some did [cocaine], and some did f-king battery. What the f---k was I doing? I was having a great time. Half of the motherf--kers following me do the same thing. You're hiding it. You're all married, even though you don't know it. I'm divorced. I am retired. It's great fun.
Pierce said that if Pierce was omitted from the Hall of Fame due to the video, "it would have been the hardest stiff job in Hall of Fame History."
Pierce is a great player on the court and deserves to be in The Hall of Fame.
The 43-year old spent 19 seasons with the NBA's Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards. He was a 10-time All-Star selection and a four-time All-NBA selection during his career.
He was also the Celtics' 2008 NBA champion and was awarded NBA Finals MVP.
Pierce was able to outdo Kobe Bryant in the 2008 Finals against Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 21.8 points and 6.3 assists per game.
Pierce had a career average of 19.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers made. He also shot 44.5 percent from behind the arc and 36.8 percent from the floor.
Pierce is also 16th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, with 26,397 points. He is 20th in steals, with 1,752.
Pierce, who is known as "The Truth", is now preparing to claim his rightful place among the greatest basketball players, coaches, and contributors of all time.
On Saturday, Pierce will give his speech in Springfield (Massachusetts) as part of a 16 person class that also includes Chris Bosh and Chris Webber, as well Ben Wallace.
