“Inappropriate Intimate Relationship”
NBA club suspends top coach for entire season
9/23/2022 7:34 am
Last season, the Boston Celtics played in the NBA Finals series for the first time since 2010. Head coach Ime Udoka is also responsible for the success. But this is exactly what the club is now suspending. The reason for this is probably the relationship with an employee.
The Boston Celtics have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season for “violating team policy”. His future with the Celtics beyond the season will be decided at a later date, a club statement said. In less than a month, the NBA will start the new season.
The Celtics did not provide more details about the punishment, which is one of the harshest ever imposed on an NBA head coach. Several US media such as ESPN, “The Athletic” and the “Washington Post” reported that Udoka had an “inappropriate intimate relationship” with a Celtics employee. Some say the relationship is amicable, but sources say the woman accused Udoka of making unwelcome remarks to her, according to The Athletic. After the club’s employees became aware of the relationship for the first time in July, internal surveys were then started.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down,” said Udoka. “I’m sorry I put the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the decision of the team.” “Out of respect for everyone involved,” he will not make any further comments.
Udoka had led Boston to the finals series for the first time since 2010 last season. With national player Daniel Theis, who has now moved to the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors (2:4). With the pre-season beginning soon, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is a likely interim solution, according to ESPN.
