NBA legend Paul Pierce is known for being an outspoken individual. This was made abundantly clear once again when the former Boston Celtics star provided an insight on why NBA players preferred dating white women.
In a recent episode of “The Truth After Dark“, Pierce was asked about why NBA players “get” with white women. He responded by saying, “I honestly think that maybe they appreciate more and they apologize more.”
Pierce’s response had the rest of the panel in splits. But the forward continued by saying, “They don’t mind being held accountable.”
His answer was viewed as controversial, as the host herself had to justify the kind of reactions she had to face from her audience. However, she quickly stepped in to defend Pierce by saying that he exclusively dates Black women.
Paul Pierce says the reason NBA players date white women is because they don’t mind being held accountable, they show more appreciation, and they apologize more.
(🎥 The Truth After Dark/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/AopFDBv1Sq
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 1, 2025
Players such as Dennis Rodman have also made similar comments regarding the same topic. Interestingly enough, the New York Knicks team was also criticized by their fans for having interracial relationships after seeing a holiday party picture of the players with their partners back in 2022.
In light of this, Pierce’s comments on this topic while considering the situation in question are certainly mildly controversial. However, he has made a career off the court by making rather outrageous statements.
The former Boston Celtics star made a name for himself off the court as a sports broadcaster with ESPN. However, amidst media controversy after an Instagram live mishap, the channel opted to fire him in 2021. Naturally, Pierce had his series of retorts to ESPN in the wake of his departure.
Since then, Pierce has continued to cover the NBA with his former teammate Kevin Garnett on the podcast “KG Certified”. Although his takes on certain matters often become grounds for debate and discussion, it is hard to overlook some of his opinions in light of the stellar career he has had as a player.
Paul Pierce was among the finest small forwards in the NBA during his time in the league. After being drafted in the 1998 draft by the Boston Celtics, the forward quickly made a name for himself and was named to the All-Rookie team that season.
Although he was a member of some notoriously poor Celtics teams early in his career, Pierce single-handedly kept them relevant, even becoming an All-Star by his third season in the league.
His efforts with the team eventually paid off with the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, when the Celtics eventually became champions in 2008, and Pierce was named Finals MVP.
Although he had only one championship to his name, he retired with four All-NBA selections and as a 10x All-Star. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame and named a part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team. He recorded a career average of 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.