Retired Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce recently made headlines when he jumped on a live stream of his show with Kevin Garnett to commentate on Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Many viewers noted that Pierce appeared to be in a drunken state.
While some have found the stunt amusing, Stephen A. Smith didn't share that sentiment. The sports analyst accosted his former colleague in an impassioned monologue.
"I never enjoy this kind of stuff, but I have no choice," Smith said on his show. "... Y'all might find it funny, but I don't. I find it kind of sad, to be honest with you. You're a champion. You know the game of basketball. Let me tell you something about Kevin Garnett. He's serious as a heart attack. That brother takes all his work serious. He don't joke around. He don't mess around. He don't take shortcuts with anything he does. But that's his brother, his teammate, his friend, and he ain't gonna say much on camera. I'd love to know what he said to him off camera because Kevin Garnett ain't wanted to tolerate that kind of nonsense."
It's unclear why Pierce opted to go on a live stream intoxicated. And to top it off, he seemed to have brought a girl with him, which he introduced as someone he met through a website that lets customers hire a girlfriend for a day.
The former ESPN analyst also didn't look interested in covering the game, while Garnett tried his best to keep his buddy in check. Despite KG reminding him to behave appropriately, Pierce continued his erratic behavior, which included slurring, kissing his part-time lover in front of the camera, lighting up a cigar, and trying to pick up a fight after he was thrown a lighter.
The former Celtics champion's conduct reminded Stephen A. of his indiscretions that led to his firing from ESPN, which Pierce recently downplayed.
Well, it seems the Hall of Famer still hasn't learned his lesson.
Whatever Pierce does with his life is up to him. He certainly understands the repercussions, considering what happened to his full-time job with ESPN a couple of years ago.
However, Smith believes the 10-time NBA All-Star should be wary of how his public actions can affect people's perception of him as a media personality and his legacy as a basketball icon.
"That's the imagery you want?" Stephen A. said. "That's how you want us to see you, this champion, who was an elite player and closer? ... Please stop. You mean too much to the game of basketball, bro. You mean too much to the game of basketball for us to see you like that. And whether he admits it or not, you're too important. You're too valuable. You matter too much. We care about you too much to also watch you allow yourself to put Kevin Garnett in that position by acting like that. It's embarrassing. Come on, bro. You better than that."
Now, an argument can be made that Smith is overreacting. But he did look concerned about Pierce's recent misbehavior. Of course, those who have watched the retired small forward know that Paul is prone to these antics. It's part of what makes following him and his shows entertaining, for better or worse.