Discipline Delivered: Ime Udoka Suspended; Offers His Own Statement
Celtics say a decision about Ime Udoka’s future with the team beyond this season will be made at a later date: pic.twitter.com/MT9PgM6fQp
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2022
In handing down the punishment, the Celtics added that a decision about Udoka's future with the team beyond this season will be made "at a later date".
Udoka has also issued his own statement in response to the scandal:
Ime Udoka has released a statement regarding his one-year suspension: pic.twitter.com/eFMQQd14d8
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 23, 2022
"I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision."
The suspension is for "a violation of team policies," which has been reported to be a consensual sexual relationship with a Celtics team employee. Rumors have started to make the rounds, thanks to former NBA player Richard Jefferson, that perhaps the relationship wasn't so "consensual."
Ask yourself if it’s consensual then why the suspension and the length!!! 🤔
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) September 22, 2022
So once you understand it’s 100% consensual from both parties… WHY IS THERE SUCH A LONG SUSPENSION? I repeat … 100% consensual!
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) September 22, 2022
Many have also been wondering why the details of Udoka's transgressions have leaked out...
unless the Celtics planned on firing Ime Udoka — there was ZERO reason we needed to know this man’s personal business. he’s not the ONLY coach in the history of basketball to have a relationship within the organization he works for and he certainly won’t be the last
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) September 22, 2022
Will he be back next season? Again, the Celtics say a decision on that will come "at a later date." There was a story making the rounds earlier on Thursday that Udoka has considered resigning, though there's been some pushback from others on that possibility.
Camp opens on Monday; not exactly the way the Celtics wanted to kick off their season.
The Celtics will be naming assistant Joe Mazzulla as the 'interim' head coach for the 2022-23 season, while other reports have surfaced that they could also bring in a recent championship coach to assist.
Photos: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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