BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have suspended coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season, effective immediately, and with no guarantee that he will return to the franchise in the future.
The Celtics said Thursday night that Udoka has been suspended for “violations of team policy.”
“A decision about his future with the Celtics after this season will be made at a later date,” the Celtics said.
Udoka apologized in an ESPN statement, but offered no details.
“I would like to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for disappointing. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for all I don’t want to comment further on those involved,” he said.
It is the second major disciplinary situation in as many weeks in the NBA, following Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision last week to suspend Robert Sarver – the owner of the Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury – for a year and fine him. $10 million after an investigation showed his pattern of disturbing behavior in the workplace, including abusive and racist language. Sarver said on Wednesday that he plans to sell his teams.