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Boston Celtics Say Ime Udoka’s Cheating Drama Has ‘Been Hell’: What to Know

A difficult time. Ime Udoka‘s year-long suspension from the Boston Celtics is taking a toll on the entire team, according to Marcus Smart.

“It’s been hell for us,” the Celtics point guard, 28, told The Athletic in September 2022, less than one week after new broke that the coach, 45, had been suspended following an inappropriate relationship with another member of the organization. “It happened in a time that we didn’t have any time to understand everything before media day … we just found out like you guys did, so we’re doing our best to cope.”

Smart continued: “Nobody died, so we didn’t lose anything. I still love Ime as a person and as a coach. It’s just something unfortunate that has happened to him. It doesn’t take away anything from him as a coach, from how he turned this team around.”

On September 22, The Athletic reported that Udoka — who has been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010 — had an “intimate and consensual relationship with a female member” of the team’s staff. The alleged relationship was not only considered “improper” by the franchise but is also a violation of the NBA’s code of conduct.

One day later, the Boston Celtics announced that he had been suspended for the 2022-2023 season due to “violations of team policies,” which left the Oregon native’s future with the team up in the air.

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said in a statement following his suspension. “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.”

Long, 51, released a statement of her own on September 23, in which she addressed her fiancé’s scandal. “The outpouring love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” the Best Man star told Us Weekly at the time. “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.”

The longtime couple welcomed son Kez in 2011 and the former basketball player popped the question in 2015. Despite their lengthy engagement, Long — who also shares son Massai, 21, with ex Massai Z. Dorsey — has stated that she and Udoka have no plans to actually tie the knot.

“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,” the Soul Food star said during an appearance on Essence’s “Yes, Girl!” podcast in 2020. “I don’t know that I need that to feel like I’m in a partnership that’s working.”

Keep scrolling to learn more about Udoka scandal and suspension:


What Did Ime Udoka Allegedly Do?
Athletic reporter Shams Charania revealed via Twitter that Udoka "had an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff," which was "deemed a violation of franchise’s code of conduct." The coach has not publicly confirmed or denied the relationship, but did admit to "putting the team in [a] difficult situation," in a statement released on September 23. Splash News
How Long Has He Been Suspended?
Udoka has been suspended for the entire 2022-2023 basketball season, according to a press release by the Boston Celtics. In the meantime, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over his role, per ESPN. Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock; Mediapunch/Shutterstock
Will He Be Fired?
"A decision about [Udoka's] future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date," the team said in a statement on September 23. "The suspension takes effect immediately." Courtesy of Boston Celtics/YouTube
What Did He Say About the Situation?
Shortly after the team confirmed his suspension, Udoka released a statement apologizing to "our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down." He added that he "accept[s]" the team's decision, and will not comment on the situation any further, "out of respect for everyone involved." Splash News
How Did Nia React to the Scandal?
Hours after the news of Udoka's alleged relationship broke, Long shared a cryptic message on her Instagram Story, alongside a video of a peaceful nature scene. “When you see people change their whole life and start walking down a path of enlightenment," the New York native's caption read. "I’m talking about hugging trees, connecting with nature, loving themselves, embracing positivity, letting that light shine." The following day, she released a statement to Us thanking her "family, friends and the community" for supporting her through this difficult time. “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events," Long continued. "Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children." Splash News
How Do the Boston Celtics Players Feel?
According to Smart, the team learned about the alleged relationship at the same time as the rest of the world did. "It's been hell for us," he told The Athletic, adding that he and his teammates are "doing our best to cope." Despite the scandal, the Texas native added that the players are choosing to stay focused on their upcoming training camp and the season ahead. Michael Dwyer/AP/Shutterstock


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