Former Boston Celtics superstar and NBA champion Paul Pierce is confronting a significant legal challenge in California, where a paternity lawsuit has been filed against him by a woman asserting he is the father of her unborn child. The case, lodged in Los Angeles County on January 12 and reported by the Daily Mail, involves Princess Santiago, who is petitioning the court to compel the 48-year-old divorced father of three to undergo a paternity test.
Details of the Paternity Claim
In a statement, Santiago explained her motivations, stating, 'I filed for paternity papers after multiple attempts to resolve this privately. Paul Pierce is the father of my son, King, and I am simply asking for a paternity test so the truth can be confirmed.' She emphasised that the matter is not about seeking attention but about accountability and ensuring the right outcome for her child. Pierce's attorney has declined to comment on the allegations when approached by TMZ, and the Daily Mail has also sought input from a lawyer who previously represented Pierce in other legal affairs.
A Series of Public Embarrassments
This lawsuit marks the latest in a string of public controversies for Pierce, adding to his recent legal woes. In October, he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent after being discovered asleep at the wheel of his Range Rover SUV on a congested highway. The incident occurred when California Highway Patrol officers shut down multiple lanes of Highway 101 to investigate a crash, leaving Pierce and other motorists trapped in gridlocked traffic for nearly an hour.
Upon the highway's reopening around 10:30 PM local time, Pierce was found sleeping in his vehicle just south of the accident site. He later posted on social media, sharing an image of the traffic jam with the caption: 'Imagine being stuck in stand still traffic for 45 mins and falling asleep.' In a follow-up post, he attributed his condition to fatigue, saying, 'I'm old, I'm tired, and I fell asleep. I'm good y'all thanks for the love.' However, authorities noted signs of alcohol impairment and obtained a blood test from Pierce, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Post-Retirement Career Challenges
Since retiring from professional basketball in 2017, Pierce, a California native, has pursued a career as an NBA analyst but faced setbacks. He was dismissed by ESPN in 2021 after livestreaming a poker session with bikini-clad women while consuming alcohol and marijuana. Subsequently, he joined FS1 in 2024 as a contributor on Undisputed with Skip Bayless, but the show was later cancelled. Pierce then moved to another programme, Speak, which also ceased operations, highlighting a turbulent transition from the court to broadcasting.
Princess Santiago, identified as an LA-based event coordinator through her online profiles, continues to press for legal resolution in the paternity case. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing personal and professional challenges facing the basketball legend, known as 'The Truth' during his illustrious playing days with the Celtics.
