Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka will sit out the entire season.
The NBA franchise suspended Udoka for a year because of an intimate relationship with a female team staffer.
The relationship was a violation of team guidelines.
The tryst also means that Udoka cheated on his longtime partner, actress Nia Long.
The two have been together for 12 years, were engaged in 2015, and have a 10-year-old son.
In a statement, Udoka said, “I want to apologize 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. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”
Udoka led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals in his first season as a head coach.
UDOKA’S STATEMENT – “I want to apologize 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. out of respect for everyone involved, i will have no further comment.” Udoka led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA finals in his first season as a head coach.