Celtics coach Ime Udoka had an improper intimate relationship with a female staff member, the reason behind his looming suspension, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Udoka is expected to suspended for an undetermined amount of time, as first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The relationship between Udoka and the staff member was consensual, Charania reported.
Wojnarowski added that Udoka’s job is not believed to be in jeopardy, though the suspension could be significant.
Udoka was scheduled to meet with reporters on Monday for Celtics Media Day. Boston opens training camp on Tuesday.
“I do think there is clarity looming on the possible length of this suspension will be,” Wojnarowski said on ESPN, via Brian Robb of MassLive.
“Perhaps in the next 24-48 hours. I think that is coming. This is moving quickly here in recent days. For this Boston organization on the cusp of training camp scheduled next week, this is certainly a significant derailment for them.”
Sources told Robb added that Joe Mazzulla may be the frontrunner to be named the Celtics’ interim head coach.
Udoka arrived in Boston after one season as an assistant under Steve Nash with the Nets. He served as an assistant with the 76ers in 2019-20, and for seven years with Gregg Popovich and the Spurs before that.
Prior to his coaching career, Udoka was a small forward with the Lakers in 2004, then spent time with the Knicks, Trail Blazers, Spurs and Kings from 2006-11. He also played professionally overseas.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Udoka “became the first rookie coach to win multiple Game 7s in his first postseason,” Wojnarowski wrote.
Hoops Wire will have more on this story as it develops.
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