Scandal in the NBA: Boston Celtics coach suspended for being in a relationship with a female staff

In the midst of the novel by Robert Sarver, owner of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, accused of misogynistic behavior and who put the franchise and the “sister” of the WNBA up for sale, a new scandal shakes American basketball.

During the last few hours, the news that Ime Udoka, head coach of the Boston Celtics, would be sanctioned for having entered into a love affair with a team employee, gained strength.

It was not detailed what type of situations and in what context they occurred between the two, nor were they provided details about the identity or role of the woman. What was confirmed is the fact that Udoka did make this contact consensually.

Although this last point would seem to emphasize that there would be no downside, in doing so you are breaking the guidelines of the organization. On a personal level, he also represents another inconvenience since for 12 years he has been in a relationship with Nia Long, a renowned actress with whom he has a son.

The news was shared by the specialized journalist Adrián Wojnarowski, who clarified that the seriousness of the sanction has not been confirmed, but it is speculated that he could be removed from the team for the entire 2022/23 season. She would not lose her position.

Ime Udoka was coming off a successful debut season as head coach at the Celtics, in which he reached the NBA finals where he lost to Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors.

Previously, who knew how to be a player for the Nigerian national team, he was an assistant at the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, after retiring with seven seasons as an NBA player.

As for his replacement, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is likely to become Boston’s interim coach for the season, according to ESPN US.