FOUL PLAY

Engaged Boston Celtics Coach Suspended for Season Over Tryst With Staffer

A long-term decision about the career of Ime Udoke, who was in a committed relationship with actress Nia Long, was pushed off to a future date.

The Boston Celtics on Thursday suspended head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season, the basketball team announced, citing “violations of team policies.” Udoka’s involvement in a consensual relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff was reported earlier this week by ESPN. The Celtics said a decision about Udoka’s long-term future with the team would be “made at a later date.” In a statement, Udoka, 45, apologized “to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for putting the team in this difficult situation,” adding that he accepted the team’s decision. Udoka is believed to have separated from his fiancée, actress Nia Long, with whom he shares a 10-year-old son, “prior” to the news of the affair breaking, Bally Sports’ Brandon Robinson said Thursday. Assistant Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla will serve as interim coach, according to ESPN.