The cable sports network ended its working relationship with Pierce Monday, an industry source told CNN Business. ESPN declined to comment on Pierce leaving the network. Pierce representatives also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The news of Pierce’s resignation was first reported by Front Office Sports.
Pierce has been an analyst for the network on multiple NBA shows. That included the studio show “The Jump” and the pregame show “NBA Countdown.” Nicknamed “The Truth”, Pierce won an NBA championship in 2008 with the Celtics.
Pierce joined ESPN for the 2017-2018 season.
The spirited nature of the live stream was likely a breaking point for ESPN – a company owned by the family-friendly Walt Disney Company DISAlso, Pierce and others in the video don’t appear to be wearing masks or following the Covid protocols set on the network.
Pierce seemingly addressed the situation on Twitter shortly after the news broke.
Monday, Pierce posted a short video of him smiling with the caption, “Big things are coming, stay tuned, make sure you smile #Truthshallsetufree.”
Later on Monday, he tweeted again to write, “I can’t lose, even if I lose, I’m winning.”
It’s unclear if anyone will replace Pierce on ESPN’s NBA programming or if the network will simply rotate in other commentators, reporters, and analysts to fill its spot.