Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing a significant punishment for a consensual and intimate relationship with a female team staffer in violation of a team policy, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the sensitive topic.
ESPN published a report Wednesday night that said the relationship is considered a violation of the organization’s guidelines, according to sources. Disciplinary action that could include a suspension that could be announced as early as Thursday, and ESPN reported a season-long suspension has been discussed but his job isn’t “believed to be on jeopardy,” according to the sports web site.
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In his first year as the Celtics coach in 2021-22, Udoka led them to a 51-31 record and a spot in the NBA Finals where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. He finished fourth in coach of the year voting, leading an impressive turnaround. Boston was 23-24 on Jan. 21 and went 28-7 the remainder of the season.
Before joining the Celtics, Udoka, who also had a brief NBA career as a player, was an assistant with Brooklyn, Philadelphia and San Antonio.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ime Udoka, Celtics coach, faces suspension for violating team policy
