The Boston Celtics coach and former D’Tigers of Nigeria player, Ime Udoka, has been suspended as the franchise head coach for the entirety of the 2022/23 NBA season.
Boston Celtics made this known in a statement released on Friday, September 23.
The Nigerian-American former professional basketball player was suspended over a “viol@tion of team policies” after his extramarital affair with an unnamed female staff member was made public.
Although the relationship was consensual, it broke the franchise’s code of conduct.
“The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended Head Coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies.
A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately,” the statement read.
The 45-year-old, who is engaged to Nia Long, Holywood actress, apologised for “letting down” his family and the club.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organisation, 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.
