Celtics’ Star Suspended Following Rape Charge

Last season Boston Celtics have suspended Ime Udoka for a full year, barring the coach who led them to the NBA Finals last spring from participating in the entire 2022-23 season due to what two individuals familiar with the situation described as an inappropriate relationship with a member of the organization.

The individuals, who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously as the team did not disclose this information publicly, stated that Udoka had violated team policies. After a day of deliberation over the terms of the punishment, the Celtics issued a statement on Thursday night, leaving open the possibility of further action and stating that a decision regarding Udoka’s future with the Celtics beyond the current season would be made later.

Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will step in as interim coach, according to one of the AP’s sources. The defending Eastern Conference champions are set to hold media day on Monday and commence training camp on Tuesday in preparation for the season opener on October 18.

In a statement reported by ESPN, Udoka expressed his apologies “to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and accepted the team’s decision, committing to refrain from further comments out of respect for all involved.

Udoka, who previously served as an assistant coach, guided Boston to a 51-31 record last season, including a 26-6 run in the final 32 games. Despite their impressive journey to the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games, the recent developments have stunned the NBA and disrupted a team once considered a top contender for the championship.

The situation bears resemblance to the turmoil experienced by the Red Sox in 2020 when manager Alex Cora was suspended for a year by Major League Baseball due to his involvement in a sign-stealing scandal with his former team, the Houston Astros.

It remains uncertain whether Udoka and the Celtics will seek reconciliation. Udoka, aged 45, spent most of his NBA playing career with San Antonio before transitioning to coaching, eventually landing his first NBA head coaching job with the Celtics in June 2021.

The abrupt turn of events on the eve of training camp adds another layer of complexity to what was anticipated to be a promising season for the Celtics, who had reinforced their roster with acquisitions like guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward Danilo Gallinari. However, Gallinari’s season-ending injury and other challenges have clouded the team’s prospects.

The Celtics’ assistant coach Joe Mazzulla, whose prior coaching experience includes a successful stint at Division II’s Fairmont State, faces the daunting task of leading the team through the upcoming season, starting with a high-profile match against the Philadelphia 76ers, where they will honor Hall of Famer Bill Russell.