The Boston Celtics announced Thursday they’ve suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the entirety of the 2022-2023 season. Earlier reports from various outlets alleged the coach had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a Celtics staffer. However, the team did not state why Udoka was being suspended in their formal statement.
In a statement released through ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Udoka apologized to Celtics players, fans and the organization, noting he would not have further comment or elaboration “out of respect” for everyone involved.
Here’s how NBA fans reacted to the news of Udoka’s season-long suspension. (Note: Some tweets have NSFW language.)
NBA fans had lots of thoughts regarding Udoka's suspension by the Celtics
If you gonna suspend him for the entire year might as well fire him. https://t.co/QdgViWsMNe
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) September 23, 2022
If what Ime did was bad enough to warrant his employer kicking him out for a year, how does the org feel good about just letting him reassume a position power/prominence in the building next season? https://t.co/e2FobAgj2z
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) September 23, 2022
We are not going to like the details when they come out. Be careful caping for him. This also doesn't mean Brett Favre shouldn't be prosecuted. https://t.co/z0cJoHMHDr
— Tyrone Johnson (@TyJohnsonNews) September 23, 2022
This suspension of @celtics coach Ime Udoka is utter BULLSHIT. If you thought I said enough this morning on @FirstTake, you haven’t seen a damn thing yet. 10am. EST. Friday morning on ESPN. See y’all then#TotalBS
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 23, 2022
The way the Celtics have handled the Ime Udoka situation has been a mess.
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) September 23, 2022
Wow. Pretty insane 24 hours. (Also: "violations," plural, seems noteworthy.) https://t.co/DQK6GypXM1
— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) September 23, 2022
This is more than a season-long suspension. It is that, plus a potential firing or a potential extended suspension. Also "violations" plural. https://t.co/xftRmWMGcB
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) September 23, 2022
This *has* to be about more than an affair with a staff member. https://t.co/TZ2njHLVzP
— Richelle Carey (@RichelleCarey) September 23, 2022
Celtics just all of a sudden officially announce this during Thursday Night Football. Talk about a news dump https://t.co/etugdxHL0Z
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) September 23, 2022
This very much smells like Ime Udoka has coached his last game for Boston. https://t.co/ymNl0Jo8z4
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) September 23, 2022
This makes it sound like Udoka’s suspension is for a year *minimum* https://t.co/FOC2NXaatu
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) September 23, 2022
24 hours after the report first broke this remains one of the most bizarre and shocking press releases i’ve ever seen https://t.co/bziMHKHSGO
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) September 23, 2022
