Ime Udoka suspended as Celtics coach for entire season
Nigerian basketball head coach Ime Udoka has been suspended by his employer Boston Celtics, for the entire 2022-23 over an inappropriate relationship with a staffer at the franchise.
People Gazette reported on Thursday that the former Nigerian basketballer engaged in an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female staff of Celtics but violated an unspecified policy of the franchise.
He faced lengthy suspension as the management of Celtics held discussions to find an appropriate punishment.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the discussions now sit him out of his role for the 2022-23 season, and he will begin serving the ban immediately.
“The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies,” Celtics said in a statement. “A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately.”
Immediately after the verdict was announced, the 45-year-old tendered an apology to his players, fans and family.
Udoka joined Celtics in 2021 in what was his first stint as a head coach of an NBA franchise and has been impressive within two years in his role, guiding the team to their first NBA Finals since 2010.
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