Why Was Celtics Head Coach Ime Udoka Suspended for the Season?

Celtics head coach Ime Udoka will sit out the upcoming season after violation of team policies.

After leading the team to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2009-10 season in his first season with the team, Udoka was suspended Thursday by the team effective immediately, with his future in Boston up in the air.

"A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date," read a brief statement on the team's Twitter account.  Assistant Coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to be named interim coach.

The Celtics opening their training camp for the 2022-23 season Tuesday.

"I want to apologize to our players, 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 said in a statement.

The Athletic's Shams Charania was first to report that Udoka had "an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff."

Udoka has been engaged to actress Nia Long since 2015. The couple has a 10-year-old son together.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH