Celtics Suspend Coach Ime Udoka Over 'Violations Of Team Policies'

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics suspended coach Ime Udoka late Thursday due to "violations of team policies," the team said in a short statement.

The suspension came after a day of rumors of a looming suspension, and reports that Udoka was involved in a consensual relationship with a woman employed by the Celtics.

"The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies," a brief statement said. "A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately."

Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla could take over the team during Udoka's yearlong suspension, the Boston Globe reported Thursday.

The Celtics hired Udoka at the end of the 2021 season, and he coached the team to a finals appearance last season against the Golden State Warriors — although the Celtics lost the series. Udoka previously worked as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs.

When Mazzulla, 34, joined the Celtics in 2019, it was his first NBA coaching job. He previously coached at the college level, and was head coach of the semipro Maine Red Claws.