Hollywood

Ime Udoka talks to the media about the workplace case

April 30, 2023
4 min read

Ime Udoka spoke publicly for the first time since his inappropriate relationship with a Boston Celtics staff member became public.

Ime Udoka

Source: Boston Globe/Getty

The Houston Rockets picked Udoke as their next coach after the workplace affair led to his suspension from the Celtics. When interviewed by Houston media, the Oregon native was asked about his departure from the NBA team,

“I released a statement months ago when it all happened and apologized to a lot of people for the difficult position I put them in,” he said.

Udoka was still engaged to the actress Nia Long during its entanglement. He added that he felt “much more remorse even now towards” those affected as collateral damage in the scandal.

“I’ve spent this last offseason working on myself in different ways, improving in areas, and it’s given me a chance to sit down, reflect and grow,” he said. he declares. “And I think that will make me a better coach and overall a better leader.”

He continued, “Just having that free time and really a full understanding of how many people you’re impacting with a bad decision where you start with ownership and responsibility.”

The head coach said he had sworn to ‘take responsibility for’ his actions and refused to be a hypocrite by telling players and colleagues to do the same. “I preach this to the players so I have to take responsibility on my part,” Udoka said.

The Nigerian-American has undergone ‘leadership and sensitivity training’ and therapy sessions with his 11-year-old son, Kez Sunday Udoka, whom he shares with Long. The 6’6’er said he wanted “to help him improve the situation I put him in.”

He claimed, “You can grow from adversity and I think I did that this year if you spend it in the right direction or take the right steps” and insists that “the problem has been resolved”.

He ended the conversation by stating that he “can’t really talk about it much further.”

In September, buzz began to spread about NBA teams’ interest in the former player. Rumored franchises with Udoka on their shortlist included the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets.

Udoka violated Celtics team policy when he fraternized with an unidentified white female staffer. Subsequent team leadership suspended him for the 2022-2023 season. Although the relationship was consensual, it was deemed inappropriate and automatically came with severe punishment.

Udoka told ESPN’s Malika Andrews in a statement that he accepted his fate

“I want to apologize to our players, our fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down,” he said at the time. “I’m sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision.”

Nia and Udoka first met in 2010 after a mutual friend introduced them and welcomed their son in November 2011. The baller put a ring on it in June 2015.

“We both have great careers,” Long said after Udoka was hired as Celtics head coach. “What I think makes it work for us is that we give each other space and time to do what we need to do individually, as well as together.”

After announcing their affair in September 2022, the two officially divided and the fatal case the actress released a statement to People,

“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and community during this difficult time means so much to me,” she shared. “I ask that my privacy be respected as I deal with recent events. First and foremost, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.

Udoka “went Eric Benet” and “let the baddest girl in the world off the hook” but hopefully he redeems his career and wins another trophy this NBA season.

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