The Boston Celtics have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violating team conduct policies.
Udoka reportedly engaged in a consensual intimate relationship with a female staff member. The team announced the suspension is effective immediately.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, President of Basketball of Operations Brad Stevens only became aware of Udoka’s “improper relationship” in recent days, and there was a “breakdown of trust and leadership” between Udoka and the organization.
Assistant Joe Mazzulla will serve as interim head coach this season. Earlier Thursday, there had been speculation Udoka might consider resigning, but TNT’s Chris Haynes reported the coach is not looking to tender any resignation. The team stated a decision on Udoka’s future will be determined at a later date.
Reacting to the Ime Udoka situation with the Boston Celtics and the social media fallout https://t.co/Y8oudVL2N7
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
Udoka joined the Celtics last season, his first gig as a head coach at the NBA level. Udoka led Boston to the team’s first trip to the finals in more than a decade last season.
Boston will host its annual media day on Monday (Sept. 26). Training camp is set to begin the next day.
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