In a recent statement released, Nia Long finally addressed the rumors that her fiancé Ime Udoka had an affair with staff at the Celtics and his temporary suspension from his position as head coach. In the statement, she thanked her family, friends, and supporters for the “outpouring of love and support.”
The Celtics recently issued a statement announcing that Udoka had been suspended from the team because he’d violated “team policies.” ESPN had released a report shortly before the Celtics statement, saying that Udoka had “an intimate relationship with a female staff member.”
Udoka is a former professional basketball player turned NBA coach. He started working as the Celtics’ head coach in 2021 and led the team to their first NBA finals since 2010. Long and Udoka have been engaged for years, and she’s previously said they’re comfortable not having a wedding.
Read on to find out more.
Nia Long Issued A Statement
Shortly after news broke of Udoka’s alleged affair with female staff and suspension from his role as head coach, Long issued an exclusive statement to People. The “Fatal Affair” actress said, “The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time means so much to me.”
There was massive criticism of Udoka on social media after the news broke, with many sending their love and support to Long. The actress also asked the press and public to respect her privacy. She wrote, “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 and Udoka had a child together in 2011, a boy they named Kez Sunday Udoka. The “Are We There Yet” star also has another boy, 21-year-old Massai Dorsey II, whom she had during a relationship with “The Single Moms Club” actor Massai Dorsey.
Ime Udoka Was Suspended From His Team
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 23, 2022
On Thursday, the Bolton Celtics announced on its official Twitter platform that the team’s management had immediately suspended Udoka from his role as head coach. The statement read that Udoka had violated “team policies” and stated that they would evaluate his future with the team.
ESPN published a report shortly before the Celtics posted their statement. ESPN’s report stated that Udoka had been involved “in an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff.” The report also said that the team is considering a possible season suspension for Udoka, but it’s unlikely they’ll take any permanent measures.
He Is A Former Pro Player Turned Coach
45-year-old Udoka used to be a former professional basketball player, and after he retired, he built another successful career as an NBA coach. Udoka spent seven years working with head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs, leading the team to win a championship in 2014.
Udoka left the Spurs in 2019 and subsequently worked as the assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. In 2021, he joined the Celtics as their head coach and led the team to feature in the 2022 NBA Finals in his first year as head coach.
Nia Long And Ime Udoka Have Been Engaged For Years
Long and Udoka got engaged in 2015 and haven’t had an official wedding. During an interview with Essence in 2020, Long said that she and Udoka had become comfortable with not getting formally married or having a ceremony.
She said, “Love is complicated, let’s just start there. And then you start a marriage, which I’ve never been married. And there’s a reason for that because I don’t know that I need to say ‘I do’ to prove to you that I love you. But also, what does marriage really [mean]… that you own me now and I own you? I don’t get that part.”
According to the Boston Globe, Long and Udoka first met in Boston in 2010 after being set up by a mutual friend. Long was in the city to film a pilot for NBC, and Udoka was playing for the Sacramento Kings against the Boston Celtics.