Ime Udoka Scandal: Nia Long Breaks Silence on Fiancé's Affair with Celtics Staffer
Ime Udoka, Celtics coach, was banned for the whole 2022-23 NBA season Thursday after committing a team violation. The suspension came after a report about his consensual but "improper" relationship with female team staff.
Team president Brad Stevens and Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck met the reporters Friday and talked about their discussion. The details were not revealed due to some privacy concerns of everyone involved, but Grousbeck has confirmed the length of Udoka's suspension.
"This felt right, but there are no clear guidelines for any of this," Grousbeck said. He also said he is responsible for the final decision, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
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Nia Long Breaks Her Silence on Ime Udoka Scandal
The "Fatal Affair" actress, Nia Long, has broken her silence and sent a statement to Boston Globe Friday, acknowledging the support and asking for privacy.
"The outpouring love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me," Long said.
"I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children," Long added.
Long says that Udoka blindsided her. She and Kez, their 10-year-old son, moved to Boston with Udoka two weeks ago, while the team busted the coach months ago, TMZ reported.
Udoka knew his relationship with a married front-desk worker would blow up when she moved. Ime was also aware in July that the team knew about the situation and was starting an investigation. Long discovered her fiancée's affair a few days ago since he knew it was about to blow.
Nia Long and Ime Udoka's Love Story
Ime Udoka met Nia Long through a mutual friend in 2010 and welcomed their son in 2011. Although he proposed in 2015, they are not rushing for a wedding.
Long told Essence that she knows marriage has a religious side and that it's every girl's dream to have a moment like that – beautiful, fantastical, and dreamy. But she said she is unsure if she needs that to feel like she is in a good relationship.
"Love is complicated, let's just start there," says Nia.
She also stated that she doesn't need to say "I do" to prove her love and said that "marriage is not a priority."
Last year, long spoke about Udoka becoming a head coach after nine years of being an assistant.
"He's one of the most disciplined people I know. He's worked really hard for this, and now he's got to just get to work with his players and do what he does best," Long said at the time. "So, it's an exciting time for our family to be able to sit in the stands."
Meanwhile, the social media support for Long and backlash for Udoka poured in as soon as the Boston Celtics announced the coach's suspension.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
Watch: Nia Long SPEAKS OUT After Ime Udoka's Boston Celtics Suspension - From E! News