Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams has been suspended by the NBA after he was adjudged to running into a referee after he was called for a foul in a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Williams had attempted to draw a charge against Zach LaVine, but was called for a blocking foul as he angrily got up with his momentum seemingly taken him towards the way of official Flores, as he ran into her but did not knock the referee over.
Flores immediately called Williams for a further technical foul, and he would be ejected from the game after further assessment. In retaliation, Williams would furiously berate the referee's after he was asked to leave the floor, with Celtics teammates dragging him away.
A statement from the NBA read: "Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams has been suspended one game without pay for recklessly making contact and directing inappropriate language toward a game official. Williams will serve his suspension Friday, Oct, 28 when the Celtics play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Williams has become an integral player in the Celtics success in recent years, and is yet to sign an extension with the team, as he could become an expensive free agent if he impresses once again this season.
Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla was also ejected from the game after arguing why his star forward Jaylen Brown was not giving a foul after driving to the basket. However, it appears he will not be given a suspension.
Mazzulla is in place to coach the Celtics this season after head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for the team after having an adulterous affair with a member of staff within the organisation. Udoka, who is married to film star Nia Long, admitted to the rumours after the suspension was confirmed by the Celtics.
In a public statement, he said: "I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
Last year was Udoka's first as a head coach in the NBA, leading the Celtics to an NBA finals. Mazzulla will take charge of this season, with no assurances given to Udoka that he will be the coach for the Celtics in the 2023/24 season.
Without Udoka, the Celtics have started with a 3-1 record, after adding Malcolm Brogdon and Blake Griffin this summer. They are expected to contend for a championship once again this season.
