The Boston Celtics have suspended coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season, effective immediately, with no guarantee that he will return to the job.
Udoka was suspended by the Celtics on Thursday night for “violations of team policies.” Earlier Thursday, two people with knowledge of the situation said Udoka was sanctioned due to an improper relationship with an organization member.
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Those individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the team did not reveal that information publicly.
“A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date,” the Celtics said.
Ime Udoka, in a statement that was published by ESPN, apologized for whatever it is he did but did not offer detail.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics 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. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment,” he said.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 23, 2022
According to one source, Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over on an interim basis until a new decision is reached.
It’s the NBA’s second major disciplinary situation in as many weeks, following Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision last week to suspend Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, for one year and fine him $10 million after an investigation revealed a pattern of disturbing workplace behavior, including abusive and racist language.
Sarver stated on Wednesday that he plans to sell his teams.
