Celtics Coach's 'Unwanted Comments' Spurred Suspension: Report

BOSTON, MA — Suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka may have made "unwanted comments" to a female team employee, according to a new report — a reversal from reports Thursday that Udoka was involved in a consensual relationship with the woman.

The Celtics officially suspended Ime Udoka Thursday after a day of speculation about the head coach, who led the team to the NBA finals last spring. The Athletic reported Udoka made "unwanted comments" toward the woman, while the Associated Press reported that two team sources said Udoka had an "improper relationship" with the woman.

In a brief statement Thursday night, the Celtics did not name a reason for the suspension.

"The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies," the 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."

Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over as interim coach, one of the people who spoke with The AP said. The defending Eastern Conference champions are scheduled to hold media day on Monday and open training camp on Tuesday in preparation for the Oct. 18 season opener.

In a statement published by ESPN, Udoka apologized “to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down.”

“I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision,” he said. “Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

A longtime assistant in his first NBA head coaching job, Udoka led Boston to a 51-31 record last season — going 26-6 in the final 32 games. The Celtics beat Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Miami on the way to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report