Coach Ime Udoka has been suspended for a season by the Boston Celtics for violating the organisation’s rules by having an intimate relationship with a member of staff.
The 47-year-old, who is in his second season with the Celtics after leading Massachusetts to its first NBA Finals in 12 years, was quick to apologise to the Boston franchise and his family.
“I want to apologise to our players, fans and the entire Celtics organisation and my family for letting them down. I regret putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision,” Udoka said in a message posted on Malika Andrews‘ Twitter account (ESPN).
“Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”
??Udoka’s affair
The Athletic has revealed some details about the affair between Udoka, who has been in a 12-year relationship with famed actress Nia Long, and his Celtics colleague.
According to journalist Shams Charania, some staff at the Celtics first became aware of Udoka‘s relationship with the staff member in July.
The couple led team officials to believe the relationship was consensual, but sources told The Athletic that the woman recently accused Udoka of making unwanted comments towards her, prompting the team to launch a series of internal interviews.
How did Boston decide on Udoka’s one-year suspension?
According to Charania, the Celtics‘ decision and announcement to suspend Udoka for a year was made after a closed-door meeting Thursday that involved team owners and president Brad Stevens and lasted several hours.
Stevens and members of the Celtics front office also met with players at the team’s facility.
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