The Boston Celtics hosted a press conference to discuss the fallout surrounding the events that led to the suspension of Celtics head coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season and the subsequent elevation of assistant coach Joe Mazzulla to become the interim head coach for the looming campaign on Friday morning at Auerbach Center.
Lead Governor Wyc Grousbeck and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens sat at the podium to break down the situation from their perspective, explaining what they were aware of, when they’d become so, and what was being planned by the organization to rectify the situation in the aftermath.
Let’s take a look at the main points addressed by Grousbeck and Stevens.
A new report suggests “unwanted comments” from Udoka to female staffer spurred internal Celtics investigation. https://t.co/yPydKUGWaz
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
The Celtics won't reveal details, but a law firm is involved
Citing the privacy for the people involved, Grousbeck apologized for the limited scope he has to discuss some aspects of the situation.
“I can say that as soon as we learned there was a potential situation, we immediately brought in a respected law firm to conduct a thorough investigation and impartial investigation,” he explained.
“We learned over the summer that there was a situation, and called in the law firm at that point, and the investigation finally concluded,” Grousbeck added. “Everything we know was wrapped up two days ago,”
“Ultimately, it was a long thorough process,” offered Brad Stevens. “It’s been a hard time.”
A new report suggests “unwanted comments” from Udoka to female staffer spurred internal Celtics investigation. https://t.co/yPydKUGWaz
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
Boston acknowledged the story had been leaked before their investiation concluded
There were leaks by the way,” related the Celtics Governor
Acknowledging speculation that it might have been the Celtics who leaked the news regarding Udoka’s policy violations, Grousbeck said “we would have nothing to do with that, and nothing to gain from that in any insinuation about the leaks.”
“We don’t know where they come from,” he added.
Ime Udoka could be suspended for “entirety” of ’22-23 season following news of an intimate relationship with female staff member. https://t.co/XQW7J2Qf3X
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
The team also took issue with the rampant speculation by fans
“It’s unfortunate also that female staff members of the Celtics have been dragged into the public eye, unwillingly and inappropriately, and we take a strong stand against that and just regret it for them,” said Grousbeck.
“It’s really, really unfortunate and not necessary.”
We have a lot of talented women in our organization and I thought yesterday was really hard on them,” added Stevens.
“Nobody can control Twitter speculation and rampant (expletive), but I do think we, as an organization, have a responsibility to make sure we are there to support them, because a lot of people were dragged unfairly into that.”
Amina Smith of NBC Sports Boston addressed the dangerous and destructive discourse on social media that has followed the Ime Udoka scandal. https://t.co/YgyaH24iRS
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
Boston feels a year suspension is fair, but no decision has been reached on Udoka's future
“I personally feel this (punishment) is well warranted and appropriate and backed by substantial research and facts,” offered Grousbeck.
“The suspension is for a season through June 30. And we will make a determination at a later time about (Udoka’s) future with us, and that’ll be discussed another time and has not been decided at this point.”
“This felt right,” he later added. “But there are no clear guidelines for any of this. This is really conscience and gut feel.”
Grousbeck also revealed that Udoka would face a “significant financial penalty” for “multiple violations.”
Year-long suspension looms large as a real possibility for Ime Udoka following reports of a consensual relationship with female staffer. https://t.co/qKNR7R7CLc
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
This is no minor issue for the team, but they are focused on the season ahead
“(The players) are very concerned about this,” suggested the Celtics’ lead owner. “It’s not a welcome development.”
“But, I also felt they have energy and focus and commitment and drive to really accomplish great things, hopefully, this season.”
“To think that guys on the team or coaches or anyone else in the organization could just walk back on the court and everything is fine, it’s not the way it is,” added Stevens.
“This is a really, really tough situation, but we’re going to be forward-focused. We need to get everybody ready to go on Tuesday when we start a new season.”
Woj: Joe Mazzulla officially elevated to interim head coach of the Boston Celtics https://t.co/NCAd0KzujO
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
Assistant Joe Mazzulla will take the rieigns, whose past problems they are aware of
“He just is just filled with energy and passion and thinking about other people,” suggested Grousbeck.
“Joe is going to be in charge,” said Stevens, pointing to the fellow assistants and other staff as well who will support him. “It’s not easy timing for him or the rest of the staff, but he’s an exceptionally sharp and talented person.”
“I believe strongly in him and his ability to lead people, his ability to galvanize a room and get behind them, and his ability to organize and understand all that comes with running a team during a season.”
“I vetted … the incidents (of Mazzulla’s domestic assault charges) when he was in college really thoroughly,” added Stevens. “(…) He’ll be the first to tell you he is 110% accountable for that, and I’ll be the first to tell you I believe in him.”
Back in June 2022, Celtics All-Star offered high praise for coach Joe Mazzulla. https://t.co/Lsf59gl7Jl
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
Brad Stevens won't be making a return to the bench
“We did have a conversation (about Stevens coaching again),” shared Grousbeck. “A brief one.”
“There’s a lot of factors at play why I wouldn’t necessarily even want to do that,” chimed in Stevens. “I’ve told Joe this; I’m going to be there for him without stepping on his toes, as much as he needs.”
Ime Udoka reportedly had inappropriate consensual relations with a female staffer, according to Shams Charania of the Athletic. https://t.co/sfa8hiraxR
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
The team is committed to rectifying the situation for all affected
“We need to see if we can take care of everybody inside the organization, first and foremost” suggested Grousbeck. “We need to uphold what Celtic pride and what Celtic stand for and we’re trying to do that here.
“Our hands are basically tied once certain things happen,” he added. “There’s going to be a consequence, and that’s where we are.”
Buckle up, it’s going to be a rough ride to start the 2022-23 Boston Celtics season. https://t.co/UBzIruXlMe
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 23, 2022
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