Boston Celtics suspend Ime Udoka
The Boston Celtics have harshly criticized their Nigerian-American head coach, Ime Udoka.
The NBA franchise, on its official Twitter account late Thursday night, announced that it had suspended Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season for "violations of team policies".
"A decision regarding his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date," the team said in a statement.
"The suspension takes effect immediately."
While the Celtics have remained silent on Udoka's policy violations, an earlier report from ESPN and The Athletic revealed the 45-year-old had a consensual relationship with a female staff member of the Celtics who violated the franchise's code of conduct.
Udoka's all-season suspension ranks among the most severe ever imposed on an NBA head coach and it comes just a week before the start of Celtics preseason training camp.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Udoka said he graciously accepted the Celtics' decision and would not comment further on the matter.
"I want to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down," Udoka said. "I'm sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision.
"Out of respect for everyone involved, I have no further comment."
Former key player for the Nigerian D'Tigers, Udoka is the Celtics' 18th head coach after nine years as an assistant with the club.
Although born and raised in the United States, Udoka's late father was born in Nigeria, which resulted in Udoka being granted Nigerian citizenship.
Among his many appearances, Udoka played for the Nigerian men's basketball team at the 2006 FIBA World Championships.
Udoka played seven seasons in the NBA, the last four with San Antonio before his playing career ended in 2011.
Udoka's sister, Mfon, not only played for the Nigeria women's team, D'Tigress, but also managed the team for a long time and was at one time a member of the coaching staff .
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The Boston Celtics have harshly criticized their Nigerian-American head coach, Ime Udoka.
The NBA franchise, on its official Twitter account late Thursday night, announced that it had suspended Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season for "violations of team policies".
"A decision regarding his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date," the team said in a statement.
"The suspension takes effect immediately."
While the Celtics have remained silent on Udoka's policy violations, an earlier report from ESPN and The Athletic revealed the 45-year-old had a consensual relationship with a female staff member of the Celtics who violated the franchise's code of conduct.
Udoka's all-season suspension ranks among the most severe ever imposed on an NBA head coach and it comes just a week before the start of Celtics preseason training camp.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Udoka said he graciously accepted the Celtics' decision and would not comment further on the matter.
"I want to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down," Udoka said. "I'm sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision.
"Out of respect for everyone involved, I have no further comment."
Former key player for the Nigerian D'Tigers, Udoka is the Celtics' 18th head coach after nine years as an assistant with the club.
Although born and raised in the United States, Udoka's late father was born in Nigeria, which resulted in Udoka being granted Nigerian citizenship.
Among his many appearances, Udoka played for the Nigerian men's basketball team at the 2006 FIBA World Championships.
Udoka played seven seasons in the NBA, the last four with San Antonio before his playing career ended in 2011.
Udoka's sister, Mfon, not only played for the Nigeria women's team, D'Tigress, but also managed the team for a long time and was at one time a member of the coaching staff .
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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