BOSTON — The Boston Celtics may be out a head coach for a while.
Ime Udoka could be suspended an entire year for his actions off the court, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
In a tweet, Wojnarowski wrote, “Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is likely facing a suspension for the entire 2022-2023 season for his role in a consensual relationship with a female staff member, sources tell ESPN. A formal announcement is expected as soon as today.”
In his first year as head coach, Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA finals, but also in his first year, according to reports, he could’ve violated the organization’s guidelines by having a relationship with a woman on the franchise’s staff. That could result in disciplinary action.
According to the ESPN report, Udoka had a consensual, intimate relationship with a woman within the organization’s staff, which violates the Celtics’ code of conduct policy.
The length of Udoka’s suspension could come as soon as today, and it could be the entirety of the upcoming season. However, ESPN is also reporting that Udoka’s job is not in jeopardy.
In a separate report, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said Udoka has considered the possibility of resigning.
So who would be next to step up? Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is likely to become Boston’s interim coach for the season, ESPN reported.
In his first year as head coach, Udoka helped turn a sub-.500 team into a playoff team, taking them all the way to the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years.
The Celtics have not commented yet and neither has Udoka. He has been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010 and they have a child together.
Ime Udoka has considered the possibility of resigning, sources told @SInow. Internally, coaches and staff members are bracing for the likelihood that Udoka will be suspended for one year for having a relationship with a female staffer.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 22, 2022
Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is likely to become Boston's interim coach for the season, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/GKEiMemnFN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2022
ESPN Sources: Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing possible disciplinary action – including a significant suspension – for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines. Discussions are ongoing within the Celtics on a final determination. pic.twitter.com/1QZb0k326F
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2022
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