Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, has been suspended for the 2022–23 season after having a romance with a female staff.
For “violations of team policies,” Udoka, who earlier this year led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as head coach, was suspended.
The 45-year-future old’s beyond 2022–2023 “will be made at a later date,” the team added.
Joe Mazzulla, an assistant coach, will be given the temporary coaching position.
Udoka, a Nigerian international player who was born in Oregon, has been in a committed relationship with actress Nia Long for several years and has a child with her.
“I want to apologise to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organisation and my family for letting them down,” he 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.”
Before taking over for Brad Stevens as coach of the Boston Celtics in June 2021, Udoka had a seven-year playing career in the NBA and worked as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets.
The Celtics reached the playoffs by winning 28 of their final 35 regular-season games, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years before falling to the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the championship game.