Adrian Wojnarowski was the gatekeeper of the news dump on Ime Udoka being caught having an affair with a member of the Boston Celtics organization and the subsequent suspension that followed.
Perhaps he was a bit reckless with his handling of what ended up being extremely sensitive news by leaving breadcrumbs of what could have happened — leaving Boston Celtics fans to let their minds wander.
Woj’s first tweet about the ordeal came with extremely vague language. “Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is facing possible disciplinary action – including a significant suspension – for an unspecified violation of organizational guidelines,” tweeted the ESPN lead NBA reporter. “Discussions are ongoing within the Celtics on a final determination.”
It only got more confusing by the time Woj’s second tweet was sent out late Wednesday night. “Ime Udoka’s job isn’t believed to be in jeopardy, but a suspension is looming and a final determination on that length could come as soon as Thursday, sources tell ESPN.”
Twitter hysteria ensued after Woj’s initial two tweets about the suspension of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka
By the time concrete details of what Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka did reached the public sphere after the calendar turned to September 22 — marking the end of a wild summer for the Cs that started off scorching and finished off unfortunately with both Danilo Gallinari’s ACL tear and now this — Twitter had already lost its mind.
Check out the angry NBA fan reactions to some poor handling of the Udoka news:
Stop trying to be a celebrity and just tell us wtf actually happened. This speculation is ruining Ime’s rep
— Ty ☘️ (@TylerCornellNBA) September 22, 2022
You can't do this at 11:30 pm on a weeknight Adrian. People have lives. You're teasing us.
— Sad Nets (@SadNetsSaveUsBG) September 22, 2022
They might as well say what happened because the speculation will be worse
— 🖤🤎🖤🤎 (@the_russ1) September 22, 2022
Why you gatekeeping rn dawg
— JA🥶 (@joshatkins47) September 22, 2022
Say what for or stop tweeting
— Liberation Brown's Socialist Stepdad (@nuevosean) September 22, 2022
Dear Woj In the future please don’t tweet looming bad news late at night without details. You have ruined the chance for a good night’s sleep for the entire city of #Boston & #Celtics fans all over the world. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Celtics Nation #BleedGreen https://t.co/PWiXTbpvIH
— Joanne Borzakian O (@joanneborzakian) September 22, 2022
Shams really broke this man. Fell off crazy. https://t.co/fCPoBVvfmo
— Tyler Moorman (@TmoormanNBA) September 22, 2022
So it’s serious enough for a 10:30pm Wednesday vague news drop, and an odd team-centered suspension, but not bad enough to cost him his job?
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) September 22, 2022
I’m lost. https://t.co/KRlKlKwm1j
Woj trying to limit the damage to Imes reputation he caused with his initial tweet. Woj better be right in this being serious cause I won't forgive him if he isn't. https://t.co/tBjFd0YIgV
— Hooks Johnston (@hooksjohnston) September 22, 2022
Let’s hope ESPN’s reporting standards will raise after such a fumbled late Wednesday night news dump.