The Boston Celtics have suspended coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season, effective immediately, and with no guarantee he will be back with the franchise in the future.
The Celtics said Thursday night that Udoka was suspended for “violations of team policies.” Earlier Thursday, two people with knowledge of the matter said Udoka was being sanctioned because of an improper relationship with a member of the organization. Those people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not reveal that detail publicly.
“A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date,” the Celtics said.
Udoka, in a statement published by ESPN, apologized but did not offer detail.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. 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,” he said.
One of the people who spoke with The AP said Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over on an interim basis.
It’s the second major disciplinary situation in as many weeks in the NBA, following the decision last week by Commissioner Adam Silver to suspend Robert Sarver — the owner of the Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury — for one year and fine him $10 million after an investigation showed his pattern of disturbing workplace conduct, including abusive and racist language. Sarver said Wednesday he intends to sell his teams.
Jimmy Golen and Tim Reynolds, writers for The Associated Press, authored this story.
What did Ime Udoka actually do?
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is accused of having “an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff.”
What did Ime Udoka do to get suspended?
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for the 2022-23 NBA season after having “an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff.”
Are Nia Long and Ime Udoka still together?
Ime Udoka and actress Nia Long began dating in 2010 before welcoming a son in 2011. The couple became engaged in 2015 but are yet to marry. It remains to be seen whether or not they remain a couple.
Is Ime Udoka suspended?
Celtics coach Ime Udoka has been suspended for the entire 2022-23 NBA season for violating team conduct. There is no guarantee that he will be back with the franchise in the future.
What did Ime Udoka violate?
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka violated a team rule by having “an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff.”
What did the Celtics coach do to get suspended?
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for the 2022-23 NBA season after having “an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff.”
