The Boston Celtics announced that they have suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season for “violations of team policies.” A decision regarding his future with the team past this season will be made at a later date.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said in a statement. “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.”
Joe Mazzulla, who has been an assistant with the Celtics since 2019, will be an interim head coach this season, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
On Wednesday evening, Wojnarowski reported Udoka was potentially in line for a significant suspension following an alleged violation of organizational guidelines:
Later that night, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Udoka allegedly had a consensual relationship with a female Celtics staff member:
According to Turner Sports’ Chris Haynes, Udoka has no plans to resign from his position. That said, Wojnarowski said Thursday there’s no guarantee Udoka will be back with the franchise after the 2022-23 season.
Udoka was part of a big shake-up in the Celtics’ leadership structure during the 2021 offseason. Former President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge and the Celtics parted ways, and Brad Stevens was elevated from head coach to the lead front-office role.