Paul Pierce (Celtics) Stabbed

Monday September 25 5:51 PM ET
Celtics' Pierce Stabbed in Bar

By JUSTIN POPE, Associated Press Writer

BOSTON (AP) - Paul Pierce, an emerging star on the Boston Celtics, was recovering Monday after being stabbed in the face, neck and back at a night club.

He was with several friends when he was attacked during a fight in the pool room of the Buzz Club in the city's theater district.

The 22-year-old Pierce was treated at New England Medical Center, police spokeswoman Mariellen Burns said. The hospital would not release information except to say he was in fair condition.

``He's doing fine. We're all hoping for a speedy recovery,'' coach Rick Pitino said as he left the hospital.

WBZ-TV reported that Pierce had been hit over the head with a bottle and that most of the stab wounds were superficial except for a 7-inch deep cut to his sternum. Several stations reported that teammate Tony Battie was with Pierce at the club early Monday morning.

There were no immediate arrests. Witnesses told police the fight involved security guards connected with the local rap group Made Men, but it was unclear what role Pierce might have played, Burns said.

The attack was the latest blow to a once-mighty team that has faced troubles on and off the court, including seven straight losing seasons and lingering litigation over the 1993 death of captain Reggie Lewis.

Celtics players, coaches and officials visited Pierce throughout the day Monday. His family was en route from California.

``He was very lucky,'' said K.C. Jones, a former Celtics standout and coach. ``He had the angels on his side.''

The nightclub will be cited for allowing an attack on its premises, Burns said. She said there have been several other violations there in the past year, including at least two assaults.

Pierce was to report for the start of training camp next Monday. He apparently was in Massachusetts to participate in Red Auerbach's charity golf tournament Monday in Salem.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound Pierce played forward and guard last season for a team trying to break a streak of five seasons without making the playoffs. He averaged 19.5 points and ranked second in the NBA (news - web sites) in steals with 2.08 a game.

Pierce, an All-American at Kansas, was drafted in the first round in 1998 after his junior season.


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