Nia Long’s Boyfriend, Boston Celtics Coach, Ime Udoka Speaks Out After Being Suspended For His Alleged Work Affair: I Am Sorry For Putting The Team In This Difficult Situation

Ime Udoka & Nia Long

Nia Long’s Boyfriend, Boston Celtics Coach, Ime Udoka Speaks Out After Being Suspended For His Alleged Work Affair: I Am Sorry For Putting The Team In This Difficult Situation

Nia Long’s beau, Ime Udoka is taking accountability, publicly. 

Ime Udoka, Nia Long

The Boston Celtics’ coach Ime Udoka has been suspended amid having a consensual intimate relationship with a woman on the work staff. In a statement, Ime Udoka responded to his consequence. He wrote: 

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down.” 

The 45-year-old added:

“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.”

Boston Celtics confirmed the suspension, sharing the news on social media via a statement that read:

“The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended Head Coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies.”

The statement continued:

“A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately.”

As previously reported, on Wednesday night (Sept. 22) reports surfaced stating that Boston Celtics coach Udoka was facing disciplinary action for allegedly participating in an intimate relationship with a woman who works for the franchise’s staff. The relationship between Udoka and the staff worker breached a violation of the organization’s guidelines. Udoka joined the Celtics last summer after he was an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets. During his first season, Udoka helped the Celtics go from under .500 in January to ending the season with a 28-7 record. He is the fifth coach in the past 25 years to reach the NBA finals during his first season as head coach.

Nia Long has been dating the basketball coach for 12 years. The couple share a son and Nia Long has another son from a previous relationship. In an interview in 2015, the actress said she doesn’t want to be married. The 51-year-old shared:

“Love is complicated, let’s just start there.”

Long continued:

 “And then you start a marriage, which I’ve never been married. And there’s a reason for that because I don’t know that I need to say ‘I do’ to prove to you that I love you. But also, what does marriage really mean… that you own me now and I own you? I don’t get that part.

The Brooklyn native added:

“I understand the religious aspect of marriage. That is beautiful, and it’s fantastical, and it’s dreamy, and it’s every girl’s fantasy to have that moment. But I don’t know that I need that to feel like I’m in a partnership that’s working.”

Nia Long, Ime Udoka & Their Son

What are your thoughts on Ime Udoka’s reaction to being suspended for having an affair with a staff member? Share it with us in the comments below.

[VIA]