Investigating the independent law firm Boston Celtics Coach Ime Udoka observed that he used crude language when speaking with a female subordinate, prior to the establishment of an improper workplace relationship. This factor significantly contributed to the severity of his behavior. one-year suspensionSources told ESPN
Sources told ESPN that Udoka was likely to face a challenging path to reinstatement as Celtics coach in 2023 because of the investigative findings.
The primary finding and policy violation in the report was the power dynamic that was associated with a superior’s inappropriate relationship to a staff member. Sources say the report was commissioned by Celtics and was completed last week.
At a news conference last weekWyc Grousbeck of the Celtics stated that Udoka was suspended for a number of violations of team policies. Sources tell ESPN that Udoka will not be denied the opportunity to work as a coach elsewhere. ESPN sources said that some teams have sought to gain a better understanding of Udoka’s suspension, in preparation for possibly evaluating him as a candidate for future coaching jobs.
Grousbeck stated that Udoka would receive a salary cut during the suspension.
Udoka (45) led the Celtics to an Eastern Conference championship title and an NBA Finals berth. They lost six games to the Finals. Golden State Warriors. The Celtics are expected to return as a champion team again, and Udoka appeared to be on a long runway after taking over Brad Stevens’ role in the front office.
Grousbeck stated that the investigation had not led to any discipline within the organization. While the Celtics would not confirm the nature or extent of the violations in question, Stevens (team president of basketball operations) became emotional when he spoke out about the number and accusations of social media misinformation that surrounded the Celtics’ women players.
The Celtics appointed Joe Mazzulla, assistant coach, to be interim coach for the forthcoming season. Mazzulla, who is 34 years old, is respected both inside and outside the Celtics. Stevens is one of his most significant supporters. Mazzulla won the Jazz head coach job that was given to Will Hardy.
Stevens and Grousbeck would not discuss the criteria Udoka must meet in order to coach the Celtics again after his suspension.
Grousbeck supported the Celtics’ decision not to suspend Udoka during the entire season. He claimed it was the right response, based on the probe findings.
He stated that “this felt right, but there aren’t clear guidelines for any part of it.” It’s a collective decision and gut feeling. We came together to this conclusion and were able to get there. However, it wasn’t clear what to do next. But it was clear that something significant needed to be done.
This report was contributed by Tim Bontemps, ESPN.