Ime Udoka had his baptism of fire as head coach in the NBA last year. The 45-year-old American had a rocky start, but after the New Year his Boston Celtics were up to cruising speed. The train rumbled on into the NBA Finals, in which Boston lost 4-2 to Golden State.
In the mid-season there seemed to be no problem. The core was kept together and even strengthened and Udoka looked set for his second season as head coach, this time with the title contender label from the start.
Until yesterday the bomb exploded in Boston: Udoka is said to have had an intimate relationship with a female Celtics employee. And even if that relationship would have been one of mutual consent, it was a violation of the club’s internal code of conduct.
The Celtics have been known for several months, but recently launched an investigation after the woman in question reported inappropriate comments from Udoka.
After internal talks with various parties, the Celtics decided this week to suspend their coach for one year, a far-reaching and quite unprecedented punishment in the NBA.
Udoka, who has a family like the woman in question, donned all the sackcloth. “I want to apologize to the players, the fans, the club and my family. I have let them down,” he said in a statement.
“I am sorry that I have put the team in a difficult situation. I accept the decision of the club. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will not communicate further about this.”
The Boston Celtics have named 34-year-old Joe Mazzulla as their interim coach. “A decision about Ime Udoka’s future with the Boston Celtics will be made at a later date,” the club said.
