Ime Udoka

The head coach for the Boston Celtics Basketball team, Ime Udoka, has been suspended for a year for multiple violations for the team’s policy. There was a month-long investigation by an outside law firm. This law firm found a large culture problem of sexual misconduct between him and a female who was a member of the Celtics’ staff.

Udoka allegedly used vulgar language towards a female, a lower ranked worker, before he allegedly started a consensual relationship with her. This was a scandal considering he was in a relationship with Nia Long and had been since 2010. He has two kids with her. They have been engaged since 2015 but he has no plans on getting married. According to The Los Angles Times

After the investigation, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck announced that Udoka’s suspension extends through June 30th, 2023. No one else faced discipline as a result of the investigation. The Celics said that they will not stand in the way if he chooses or has the choice to go coach elsewhere. Grouseck has confirmed that he will still be receiving a cut in his salary during his suspension. Says the ESPN website.

Grousbeck,on behalf of the Celtics,defended their decision to suspend Udoka for the whole season by insisting that it was the right action based on the investigation.. “ It’s baloney. There has been worse done in other sports with less consequence” states Cole Priest. Referring to the fact that he got suspended for the whole season for his actions. 

 “It’s unfortunate,” said Martell Webster, one of Udoka’s former N.B.A. teammates. “But rules are rules, and when you sign a contract and you’re on salary, you’re saying that you agree to the rules.” He stated this in an article for dateline. This shows how people have different outlooks on this situation. 

The Celtics have held strong to their decision, despite the public’s opinion,and therefore Ime will not be returning until June of 2023.