The Boston Celtics held their annual media day Monday amidst controversy surrounding head coach Ime Udoka. The team announced last week that they’d be suspending Udoka for the entire 2022-23 NBA season after he violated team guidelines. Boston didn’t elaborate further on the violations, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that Udoka had a consensual relationship with a female member of the organization.
Monday was the first time that players had to address the media since the news broke, many expressing that they were just as surprised as the rest of us when they found out what happened. Jayson Tatum told the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn that he heard the news online, saying this (WARNING – NSFW LANGUAGE):
How did Tatum find out about Udoka: "Shit on Twitter, like everybody else."#Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) September 26, 2022
Tatum added that the whole thing is a lot to process, describing it as such:
"“Unexpected especially coming into the season when you feel a certain way.. It’s just a lot if I’m being honest.”"
Boston’s star wing said that he hasn’t spoken to Udoka since the news came out.
Marcus Smart described the situation as hell, explaining that it caught the Boston Celtics players by surprise and that none of them really know anything about what happened. He added that he’d like to know more, but it really isn’t any of his, or anyone else on team’s business.
Smart shared more thoughts on the situation:
"“We’re human. When things are uncertain, that’s when you start to feel all kinds of feelings, because you don’t know. You want to make sure you get all the facts before you know, but like I said, from what we do know, the organization handled it the right way.”"
The 28-year-old added that he still has love for Udoka as a person and as a coach, and that he was a big part of the team’s turnaround last season.
Jaylen Brown expressed confusion with the controversy, reiterating that the team was shocked by the news.
"We were all shocked... a little confused. A lot of information wasn't being shared with us."
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) September 26, 2022
Jaylen Brown addressed Ime Udoka suspension pic.twitter.com/83RxCqy7Og
Brown, like Tatum, explained that he hasn’t had the chance to speak to Udoka since the news broke. He also explained that the lack of information makes it difficult to know what to think saying:
"“I wish… we had more details. From what we know, it’s hard to make a decision based upon whether it’s consensual in the workplace.”"
The Boston Celtics announced that Joe Mazzulla would be filling in as interim coach during Udoka’s suspension this season.