Paul Pierce Out Playing Poker as We Write/Speak

[Jon]

I just got a text from a friend of mine who is a professional gambler that he's currently playing poker with Paul Pierce (9:00 EST on 5/15).  Still waiting for him to text me back the location, but we both live in Philly, so it's either in Atlantic City or one of the new casinos around Philly.  I will post if I hear back.  

Update: it's Parx Casino in Philly.

This isn't meant to be an overt attack on Pierce for doing so.  I generally believe professional athletes should be let to live their lives as long as it isn't negatively influencing their performance (for instance if PP was going shots at a bar right now).  If he was healthy, I'd have no problem with this whatsoever.  

However, I have mixed feelings about this due to his injury.  On one hand, it's probably not much different than sitting home and watching TV.  On the other hand, I feel like after his subpar game last night and his MCL injury, there are probably more productive things he could be doing to get ready for tomorrow.

What are your thoughts on this?

[bruinsandceltics]

It is 9:30 PM....who cares? 

[Redz]

Assuming the report is legit, I don't have a problem with it.

If he stays up until dawn I guess that might be a problem, but even still he doesn't have to be at work til tomorrow night anyhow.  

No different than a night at the movies at this point.

[thestackshow]

Last time there were reports of PP drinking and playing poker in Miami in the 2010 playoffs he dropped 38 and the game winner the next day.

[hpantazo]

Last time there were reports of PP drinking and playing poker in Miami in the 2010 playoffs he dropped 38 and the game winner the next day.

exactly. Atta boy Paul, do what you need to do to get yourself right!

[Meadowlark_Scal]

What do you do when you find out YOU care more about the team/game then your fav player does.....can't let it get to ya......maybe he has ICE on it under the table..!!!

[bruinsandceltics]

Assuming the report is legit, I don't have a problem with it.

If he stays up until dawn I guess that might be a problem, but even still he doesn't have to be at work til tomorrow night anyhow.  

No different than a night at the movies at this point.

TP.

Exactly. If this were like 1:30 AM or something it would be a different story.

[JSD]

Last time there were reports of PP drinking and playing poker in Miami in the 2010 playoffs he dropped 38 and the game winner the next day.

Baha! Tp

[hpantazo]

Last time there were reports of PP drinking and playing poker in Miami in the 2010 playoffs he dropped 38 and the game winner the next day.

Baha! Tp

The guy has to do something to unwind and regenerate himself instead of showing up all tense to a big game. It seems to work for him. I think at this stage of his career he knows what he's doing.

[GrandTheftRondo]

Its fine with me. I'd rather him be playing poker right now than doing wind sprints.

If he was in a club popping bottles and dancing until 3 am...then we might have a problem.

[CelticSooner]

Reading this eased my mind somewhat. Just don't lose tomorrow or it will be a different story. 

[Change]

Antoine Walker influence  Nothing good ever comes out of gambling.

[esel1000]

I see we have some stalkers here...

who cares its a hobby its what he does to relax. If he comes out tomorrow and dominates... ill thank the gambling... if he has another bad game... well, idk...

[TripleOT]

My friend just texted me.  He's a professional rock climber.  Avery Bradley is scaling a rock wall with his injured arm.  Should Avery be doing that the night before a big game?

Seriously, as long as Pierce doesn't put in a 20 hour poker session and let his knee stiffen up, what's the big deal.  

[Senninsage]

My goodness, why is it such a big deal? He should be relaxing. It will be good for him to just relax, have some time to himself and have some good, safe fun.

It'll be good for his mental state heading into game 3.