The Boston Celtics top brass is speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Ime Udoka-related incident. Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Celtics, and Wyc Grousbeck, co-owner of the team, addressed the media directly one day after the organization announced Udoka was suspended as head coach of the basketball team for breaking team rules.
They Did This to Put Any Rumors About the Incident to Rest.
At the press conference on September 23, Grousbeck stated that the team hired a reputable law firm to look into Udokas possible problem after learning of it. Despite the fact that the companys investigation was finished on September 22, he pointed out, the information was somehow leaked to the media who then informed the general public.
Udoka risks a hefty financial penalty for his many infractions of Celtics policy, the owner added. His future with the organization is still in question and will be decided at a later date.
Stevens and Grousbeck Declined to Go Into Depth
Stevens and Grousbeck declined to go into depth about the reasons Udoka was suspended, but they did talk about how the conjecture on social media has affected numerous women who work for the Celtics after their identities and images were posted online amid the commotion.
Grousbeck stated, Its really awful, and its unfortunate that female Celtics staff members have been thrust into the public glare unnecessarily and inappropriately. Stevens concurred with the owners statement and said, We have many outstanding women working for us, and I believe yesterday was particularly difficult for them. Nobody can, in my opinion, control the wild conjecture and blatant bullsh*t on Twitter, but I do believe that we as a company have a duty to be there for them right now.
In response to violations of team policies, Udoka was immediately banned as the basketball coach for the 20222023 season by the Celtics on September 22.
Although the company did not go into greater detail on the specific rules that were broken, ESPN reported earlier that day that Udoka, who is engaged to actress Nia Long, was being disciplined for reportedly having an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchises staff.
Udoka Apologized for His Behavior After the Celtics
Udoka apologized for his behavior after the Celtics made their announcement. He issued an apology to the teams players, supporters, the whole Celtics organization, and his family on September 22 in a statement to ESPN reporter Malika Andrews.
Im sorry for getting the squad into this tough spot, and I accept the decision the team made. A day after the suspension, Long, who has a son with Udoka named Kez, 10, and is also the mother of Massai, 21, from a prior relationship, issued a statement in which she thanked everyone for their support during this trying time.
She added in a statement to E! News on September 23 that she was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from her family, friends, and the community during this trying time. As I analyze the recent events, I kindly beg for your respect for my privacy. I will continue to put my children first because I am a mother first.
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