September 23, (THEWILL) – Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, has been suspended for the whole 2022/2023 season, due to “violations of team policies.” the team revealed. His status with the squad after this season will be decided at a later time.
In a statement of apology after the decision was made public, Udoka said: “I want to apologise 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.”
This season, Joe Mazzulla—a Celtics assistant since 2019—will serve as the team’s interim head coach. As THEWILL reported on Thursday, Udoka faced the possibility of a lengthy suspension for allegedly breaking organisational rules by having a consensual relationship with a female Celtics employee.
Although Udoka does not intend to leave his job, there is no assurance at the moment if Udoka will rejoin the team beyond the 2022/2023 campaign.
During the 2021 offseason, the Celtics’ executive team underwent a significant shake-up that included Udoka. After the Celtics and former President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge, parted ways, Brad Stevens was promoted from head coach to top front-office position and Udoka replaced him as head coach.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.