Paul Pierce dressed up as Rick James for Halloween during an actual game
Basketball fans noticed a strange presence on the Los Angeles Clippers' bench during Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.
Yes, that's Paul Pierce, who currently plays for the Clippers -- wearing a Rick James Halloween costume while the game is going on.
Pierce has an ankle injury, so it's not like he was just taking the night off. The 39-year-old is also in the last year of his NBA career, which probably accounts for his relaxed attitude.
Viewers were delighted and confused by what they saw. Of course, someone made the requisite Chappelle's Show joke.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Apparently, this all started when Pierce found himself wearing a wig at a party, as everyone finds themselves doing from time to time.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Seeing as the NBA requires players to wear suits on the bench, it's very possible Pierce could get fined. But Rick James ... err, Paul Pierce, thinks little of your rules.
Happy Halloween, Pierce. You're a winner no matter how the game turns out.
BONUS: The 76ers purchase two esports teams
Keith Wagstaff is an assistant editor at Mashable and a terrible Settlers of Catan player. He has written for TIME, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, NBC News, The Village Voice, VICE, GQ and New York Magazine, among many other reputable and not-so-reputable publications. After nearly a decade in New York City, he now lives in his native Los Angeles.
