Report: Celtics head coach Ime Udoka facing team discipline for alleged 'improper' consensual relationship with female staff member
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is facing a potential "significant suspension" or other disciplinary action after violating organization guidelines, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that Udoka is accused of engaging in "an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff" in violation of the franchise's code of conduct. Further details of the alleged violation weren't immediately clear.
The discussions about potential discipline are reportedly internal, and do not involve the league, according to Wojnarowski. Udoka's job isn't believed to be in jeopardy, but discussions include a scenario that could keep him suspended for the entire upcoming season, Wojnarowski reports. Neither Udoka nor the Celtics addressed the reports publicly Wednesday night.
Udoka is getting ready for his second season leading the Celtics. He went 51-31 in the regular season last season and led the Celtics to the Finals in his first stint as a head coach in the league, though they fell to the Golden State Warriors. The 45-year-old spent time as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets before landing in Boston. He's been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010, and they have one child together.
The Celtics are set to host their media day on Monday before training camp kicks off Tuesday in Boston. They will open their season on Oct. 18 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
