Boston Celtics suspend Ime Udoka for a year for violations of team policies with a decision on his future ‘to be made at a later date’ after reports he had an affair with a female staffer
- In his statement, Udoka apologized, ‘for putting the team in this difficult situation’ after being suspended for an entire season
- Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will serve as interim head coach for this season
- Multiple reports say Udoka has considered resigning, but he has not done so yet
Celtics coach Ime Udoka has released a statement after he was suspended by the team for the entire 2022-23 NBA season. Reports say he engaged in a consensual intimate relationship with a female member of the team staff.
‘I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,’ Udoka’s statement read.
‘I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.’
A statement released by the Celtics confirmed reports that the suspension would last the entire NBA calendar.
Celtics coach Ime Udoka has been suspended for the whole season after violating team policy
In his place, assistant Joe Mazzulla (L) will become interim head coach after another assistant coach Will Hardy (R), left Boston to become head coach of the Utah Jazz
‘The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended Head Coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies. A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately.’
In his place, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Reports emerged last night that Udoka would face a ‘significant suspension’ for an unnamed violation of team policies. Rumors surfaced afterwards that it was due to a relationship with a Celtics staff member.
Multiple reports say that Udoka has considered resigning as coach of the Celtics, but as of now, he hasn’t done so.
Udoka has been engaged for years to actress Nia Long, who gave birth to the couple’s son in 2011. However, Long and Udoka were ‘believed to have been separated prior to current issue,’ according to Bally Sports’ Brandon Robinson.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the looming suspension, writes that Udoka’s job is not in jeopardy. However, the language in the Celtics statement suggests removal from the job is still a possibility.
Prior to joining Boston, Udoka won a ring as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs
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