Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is facing a possible suspension for violating the team's code of conduct, according to multiple reports.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Udoka "had an improper and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff," adding that the relationship has "been deemed a violation of (the) franchise's code of conduct."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe were first to report a suspension was looming. Both Wojnarowski and Himmelsbach report that a final decision on discipline is expected soon.
Wojnarowski also reports that Udoka's job is not believed to be in jeopardy and adds that assistant coach Joe Mazzulla would likely fill in as interim head coach while Udoka is suspended.
Udoka, 45, took over as Celtics head coach ahead of the 2021-22 campaign and had immediate success, leading the team to the NBA Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics went 51-31 in Udoka's first season in charge.
Before joining the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season. He first started coaching as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs in 2012 and also has spent some time on the bench with the Philadelphia 76ers.
As a player, he was a small forward who played in 316 NBA games with the Lakers, Knicks, Trail Blazers, Spurs and Kings from 2003 to 2011.
Himmelsbach reports that the Celtics are scheduled to hold a media day on Monday and begin training camp on Tuesday.
