On Thursday, the Celtics announced that they have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for a “violation of team policies.” The group also released a statement, in which “Decision about [Udoka’s] Beyond this season will be the future with the Celtics.
It is reported that Udoka has decided not to resign from the position of head coach NBA Inst Chris Haynes.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania also reported that members of the Celtics organization “first became aware of the connection in July.”
“At the time, team leadership was led to believe by both parties that the relationship was consensual. But the woman recently accused Udoka of making unwanted comments about her – prompting the team to open internal interviews,” sources said.
Before deciding to suspend Udoka, team owners and president Brad Stevens met for several hours on Thursday. Following the organization’s decision, Stevens and other members of the Celtics front office also met with the players.
“I would like to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtic organization and my family for what I have put them through,” Udoka said in a statement. I regret putting the team through this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for all concerned, I have no further comment.
Joe Mazula has now been named interim head coach during Udoka’s suspension. The Celtics open the season on Oct. 18 at home against the Sixers.
