boston celtics

Nia Long Responds To Stephen A. Smith’s Ime Udoka-Celtics Take

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Nia Long went through an incredibly difficult personal hardship a few months ago. Of course, this is because she was cheated on by former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. Udoka cheated with a Celtics staffer, which subsequently led to the team making this a public matter.

In the aftermath of all of this, many felt like the Celtics were wrong to make any of this for public consumption. Consequently, Long felt the exact same way, given that this affected her and her son. Overall, it was just a horrible situation for her family, and there is certainly a lot of trauma associated with it.

Nia Long speaks onstage during EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP)

Nia Long Responds To Stephen A.

During a recent red carpet event for “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” Stephen A. Smith was asked about the Udoka scandal. This led to a strong response from the First Take host, who felt that it was bizarre for the Celtics to make this public.

“I know of many instances where individuals have had situations occur within the organization and it was never publicized,” Smith said. “It was never a press conference. It was never anything that was broadcast publically about it. But in this situation, it was. If I’m [Long], I’m furious for a multitude of reasons, obviously. But especially that one.”

Subsequently, Long was asked about Smith’s take on all of this. As you can imagine, she agreed heavily with what Stephen A. had to say.

“Absolutely, 100 percent, he was the first person who said it. I agree with it,” Long replied. “It’s been incredibly difficult for me to manage all of that while working and trying to be a mom and trying to find the humanity in all of it.”

This remains a developing story, so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think about Long and Stephen A.’s remarks, in the comments below.

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Ime Udoka Reportedly Made “Crude” Remarks About Celtics Subordinate

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Ime Udoka was suspended for one full year by the Boston Celtics last week as it was revealed that he had a sexual relationship with a subordinate who worked for the team. This is completely against the rules of the organization, even if the relationship was consensual. It’s a story that has left the Celtics in disarray and it has also led to speculation that perhaps Udoka did something much worse.

On top of all of this, Udoka has been ridiculed online as he ultimately cheated on Nia Long. Long is beloved by fans, and the fact that Udoka ruined his marriage is a huge topic of conversation right now.

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Now, a new report from Adrian Wojnarowski is claiming that things aren’t looking so good for Udoka right now. An independent law firm investigating Udoka reportedly found evidence that he used “crude” language toward the woman that he ended up having a relationship with.

This largely impacted the length of his suspension, and Woj is writing that Udoka might not be able to find a place with the team next year, all things considered.

This is yet another vague update on this story that doesn’t provide a full picture of events. While that might be on the way, this is still a frustrating time for Celtics fans, who just want answers.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the NBA.

Post Malone Demanded An NBA Contract While Beating Marcus Smart At Beer Pong Backstage In Boston

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On September 23, Post Malone took to Boston’s TD Garden, where the NBA’s Celtics play their home games, for a concert. He also paid tribute to the city by wearing a jersey of Celtics guard Marcus Smart, the reigning NBA Defensive Player Of The Year. It turns out the two Dallas natives got to enjoy some time together backstage and Smart spoke about a fun moment they shared.

During an interview with NBC Sports Boston at the Celtics’ media day on September 26, Smart was asked if he got to play Malone at beer pong and he said, “Yeah, I played him. I won one game, but I went five in a row the last game! […] He’s really good. He kept telling me to call [Celtics President Of Basketball Operations] Brad [Stevens] for him, though. Every shot he made, he was like, ‘Call Brad, sign me up, give me the 10-day [contract]!’”

After the concert, Smart shared photos of himself and Malone backstage and wrote on Instagram, “That was a [fire] show @postmalone thanks for the love Friday night. Fans were crazy live. Felt their love as well. Place was crazy. Boston fans never fail.”

Malone’s second Boston concert of the tour, set for September 24, was postponed as Malone noted, “I’m having a very difficult time breathing, and there’s like a stabbing pain whenever I breathe or move.” This came not long after he fell in an on-stage hole and injured his ribs.

Blake Griffin Finds A New NBA Home

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Blake Griffin’s career has been an interesting journey. Of course, Griffin made a name for himself playing with the Los Angeles Clippers during the Lob City era. He was teammates with Chris Paul, and while the team did not enjoy the success they were supposed to, there is no doubt that Griffin was able to come through with amazing highlights that fans will always remember.

Since that time, Griffin has made pit stops in Detroit and Brooklyn. His time in both of these cities were filled with uncertainty, and there is no doubt that he was upset with how little he was being played on the Nets.

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Over the course of the offseason, Griffin has been looking for a new team, although he had yet to find one, until today. Now, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Griffin will be signing a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics. This is huge news for Griffin, who is getting a fully guaranteed contract to play for one of the most historic teams in the league.

His role with the Celtics won’t be a massive one, but he will still be needed on defense. The team recently lost some players to injury, and Griffin will be able to step in an take a veteran’s approach to the game.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the league.

Shaq Explains Why He Won’t Comment On Ime Udoka Scandal

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Ime Udoka’s cheating scandal has rocked the Boston Celtics. This season, the team will be without its head coach, and there is no doubt that the players are concerned about the future.

When it comes to Udoka’s actions, there are plenty of analysts looking to weigh in on what Udoka may or may not have done. As it turns out, Shaq will not be participating in this conversation. While Shaq is typically very opinionated when it comes to the world of basketball, there are some things he would just rather sit out.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Tyler Robinson Foundation

While speaking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, the Lakers legend noted that he has made some horrible mistakes in his previous relationships and that he cannot pass judgment onto Udoka.

“I am going to step down from this conversation,” Shaq said. “I was a serial cheater. It would be crazy and blasphemous for me to get up here and say, ‘Boom, boom, bam.’ I can’t do that. I know these guys personally. I know they’re going through a lot because I went through a lot.”

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It’s refreshing to see Shaq be so honest about this, as he could have taken the easy road and roasted the Celtics coach. Either way, this is a story with many moving parts, so stay tuned to HNHH for updates.

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Matt Barnes Clarifies Why He Backtracked On Ime Udoka Remarks

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At this point, every single NBA fan is aware of Ime Udoka and his extra-marital relationship with a member of the Celtics staff. Udoka cheated on Nia Long with this woman, and now, he will be suspended for the next year. Udoka could face plenty of other penalties, and it is not looking good for his career.

Many analysts have weighed in on this news, including Matt Barnes. Initially, Barnes thought the suspension was a bit much, however, he ultimately retracted his statement, noting that this is a very ugly situation.

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“I clearly have to say, last night, without knowing all the facts, I spoke on Ime Udoka’s defense and after finding out the facts after I spoke, I erased what I posted because this situation in Boston is deep,” he said. “It’s messy. It’s a hundred times uglier than any of us thought and that’s why I erased what I said. […] Some things happened that I can’t condone, I can’t back and it’s not my place to tell you what happened. If it ends up coming out, it ends up coming out. But that was the reason why I erased my post last night.”

Recently, Barnes went on VladTV where he got to speak on the Udoka situation and why he ultimately backtracked. As you will see down below, Barnes found out who within the organization Udoka slept with, which ultimately gave him a new perspective on this whole ordeal. Of course, Barnes did not give any information, however, it’s clear that this is a story that could get uglier within the coming months.

Stay tuned to HNHH as we will continue to bring you the latest news and updates pertaining to the Udoka situation.

Ime Udoka’s Affair Reported To Be With Team’s Travel Planner

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Ime Udoka

In the fallout of Ime Udoka‘s suspension from the Boston Celtics, TMZ is reporting the team employee involved in the affair was responsible for all of his travel arrangements. A source stated the employee would also organize travel for Nia Long.

The staffer’s role with Long would be to set up her trips to Boston or away games. Recently, Long and her 10-year-old son with Ime, Kez, just relocated to Boston.

The Celtics have not revealed the name of the employee but alerted Long about who she was. Nia Long’s representative, Shannon Barr, released a statement to TMZ:

“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me. I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”

The post Ime Udoka’s Affair Reported To Be With Team’s Travel Planner appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Boston Celtics Were Informed Of Ime Udoka Situation In The Summer

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Ime Udoka

The Boston Celtics say they knew of allegations against Head Coach Ime Udoka in the summer.  Udoka was suspended by the team for the entire upcoming season after confirming he had an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a woman on the Celtics’ staff, which is a violation of organizational guidelines.  

READ MORE: Nia Long Speaks On Fiancée Ime Udoka Cheating Scandal

The team said once it heard about the allegations, it immediately hired an independent law firm to investigate the claims.  After going over the firm’s findings, Celtic executives decided to suspend Udoka for the season. 

 Udoka released a statement and said he’s sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation.

 “I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said. “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.”

Continue the conversation on social media.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Boston Celtics Expected to Suspend Head Coach Ime Udoka for Affair with Member of Team Staff

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Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka is facing what is suspected to be a “significant suspension” after engaging in a consensual relationship with a member of the franchise’s staff.

ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the relationship is a violation of the organization’s guidelines, and the length of the suspension is expected to be announced on Thursday. Udoka is expected to keep his position, but he could be suspended for the entire season.

Udoka would be entering his second season as the Celtics coach. Last year, he came over from the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach, replacing longtime coach Brad Stevens and leading the Celtics to within two wins of an NBA championship. He was the fifth coach to lead a team to the NBA Finals in the last 25 years.

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SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Announces Permanent Retirement of Bill Russell’s No. 6 Through the League

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Bill Russell in the Green Room

The NBA has announced the league-wide retirement of Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey. Russell is the first player in league history to have his jersey retired leaguewide.

In addition to the number of retirement, each player in the league will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys during the upcoming symbol. ESPN notes each court will have a shamrock-shaped logo with Russell’s number on the sideline of each scorer table.

“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserves to be honored in a unique and historic way,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”

Players like LeBron James, Alex Caruso, and Lou Williams, who previously wore No. 6, can continue to do so. The Celtics are planning their own recognition on the uniforms of its players.

Bill Russell died last month at the age of 88.

Russell, widely considered one of the greatest players in basketball history, won eight straight championships with the Celtics and 11 overall during his career. Russell was also the NBA’s first Black head coach. Russell won a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics and two NCAA Championships.

As a member of the Celtics, Russell played in 12 championships, won five MVPs, and was a 12-time All-Star. In his career, Russell had 21,620 rebounds while also averaging 15.1 points and 4.3 assists.

“From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar Evans’ assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change,” his family said in a statement. “Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”

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