Allegations of unpaid loans
Former NBA star Paul Pierce has been sued over an alleged high-stakes poker debt worth $180,000. Stephen Carmona, a recreational poker player, filed the lawsuit against the ten-time NBA All-Star, claiming that he lent Pierce $180,000 so he could play in poker games. Pierce allegedly never repaid the sum; Carmona seeks $180,000 plus interest.
Carmona hosted a private game at his home on January 27
In the lawsuit, Carmona details how he allegedly gave Pierce $150,000 on one occasion. Carmona hosted a private game at his home on January 27 and invited Pierce. The NBA legend supposedly lost $140,000 and returned just $10,000 to Carmona despite promising to repay the money within a week. The plaintiff further alleges that he lent Pierce another $40,000 the following week and Pierce lost all of that money, as well.
A big fan of poker
Carmona claimed that he unsuccessfully requested the 44-year-old Pierce on numerous occasions to repay the money after initially being promised that he would do so. Pierce has yet to comment on the matter. People on social media are speculating if Pierce might be broke or if the lawsuit allegations have been fabricated.
a reputation for taking part in high-stakes poker games
Pierce has a reputation for taking part in high-stakes poker games. He has played in the World Series of Poker on numerous occasions and appeared on Poker After Dark in 2019. A video also went viral last year of Pierce playing at a private poker game involving strippers, smoking, and drinking. He was reportedly let go from his position as an ESPN analyst following the emergence of the video.
Not afraid of controversy
Pierce has also been sued several times over the years. Just last month, he was the subject of a lawsuit regarding an alleged “pump and dump” cryptocurrency scheme. Another lawsuit in 2020 related to a marijuana business deal going bad, and his Manhattan landlord sued him in 2015 for allegedly leaving the apartment in a bad state.
Paul “The Truth” Pierce played with the Boston Celtics for most of his career, winning an NBA Championship with the team in 2008. He also was subsequently a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers. The former small forward was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year. During his career, Pierce reportedly earned a total salary of about $200m.