Brad Stevens, Wyc Grousbeck and the Boston Celtics take and take after Ime Udoka suspension

Its Governor Boston CelticsWyc Grousbeckand the President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevenspublicly addressed the Ime Udoka’s seasonal break for the first time this Fridaysaying the team made their decision afterwards a law firm found multiple violations of the organization’s policies as part of an investigation.

Grubeck told reporters he could not share additional details about the suspension due to “privacy reasons for those involved”. In a statement released Thursday, Boston said Udoka was suspended for the entire 2022-2023 season for “violations of group policy”.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported earlier Thursday that Udoka had one “inappropriate intimate and consensual relationship with a female team member”. In a subsequent report, Harania revealed that the Celtics dropped “a series of internal interviews” after what the employee accused Udoka that “Make unwanted comments towards her”.

More | What happened to Ime Udoka? Because the Boston Celtics coach faces a long layoff

Grousbeck and Stevens declined to elaborate on Udoka’s conduct and the investigation, but discussed several related topics during Friday’s news conference.

What the Boston Celtics said about Udoka’s suspension

Wyc Grousbeck in…

Ime Udoka’s answer

“Ime told me personally in a private conversation, just the general theme was, I would say, acceptance and appreciation for how this was handled. He can speak for himself and in his statement yesterday he spoke about that, that he accepted this suspension.”

Udoka issued this statement after the Celtics announced his suspension (via ESPN’s Malika Andrews):

“I want to apologize to our players, the fans, the entire Celtics organization and my family for letting them down. I’m sorry I put the team in this difficult situation and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I don’t, I’ll make more comments.”

For the reaction of the Celtics players

“Overall, they’re very concerned about it. It’s not a welcome development, but also, I felt, they have the energy, the focus, the commitment and the drive to do really big things, hopefully, this season.”

Regarding the investigation and the duration of the suspension

Grousbeck said the franchise learned of the situation over the summer and called a law firm. He added that the investigation was completed on Wednesday.

After discussing the disciplinary action with other members of the organization, Grousbeck deemed it a one-season suspension “well reasoned and appropriate, supported by substantial research and evidence and facts”

“The suspension is for one season until June 30. Later we will make a decision about Ime’s future with us. That will be discussed at another time and has not been decided at this time.”

For the financial consequences of suspension

“The suspension carries a significant financial penalty when all is said and done. It’s an accurate statement, a very important financial sanction.”

Brad Stevens in…

On social media speculation about the employee

“We have a lot of talented women in our organization and I think yesterday was very difficult for them. I think nobody can control the speculation on Twitter and the rampant teasing, but I think we as an organization have a responsibility to make sure we are there for let’s support them now, because many people were unfairly lured into it.

“It was really unfair, in my opinion. And I don’t know how we control Twitter. And obviously, we can’t say much. But our job is to support and our job is to be there when everybody’s going through a tough time. And Everyone digests these things differently, obviously, but yesterday was unfair to them.”

Joe Mazzulla replaces Ime Udoka

Stevens confirmed earlier reports that Mazzula will be the Celtics’ interim coach.

The 34-year-old, who played at West Virginia from 2006-2011 and was a member of the Mountaineers’ 2009-2010 Final Four team, joined the Boston coaching staff in 2019.

“It’s not an easy time for him or the rest of the staff, but he’s an extremely intelligent and talented person. I have a lot of faith in him and his ability to lead people, his ability to galvanize a room and take [la gente] I support him and his ability to organize and understand everything to run a team for a season.”

On whether he considered a second stint as Celtics coach

Stevens spent eight seasons as Boston’s head coach (from 2013 to 2021) before transitioning into a coaching role. front desk.

“Joe is by far the best choice to do this. As you go through the whole process, everything hits you, but I think we have the best people to do it. And Joe is the best person to do it in our organization .”

“There are a lot of factors that I wouldn’t want to do that, but I think – and I’ve told Joe – I’ll be there for him without stepping on his toes as long as necessary. But it doesn’t take much. I really believe in that.” .