"It should just be a fine not a suspension" - Paul Pierce weighs in on Boston Celtics' punishment of Ime Udoka
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce has weighed in on Ime Udoka's suspension for the entire 2022-23 season. Pierce believes that Udoka should have been fined, but not suspended for violating the team's code of conduct. Udoka reportedly had an improper consensual relationship with a female staffer.
The Celtics officially suspended Udoka on Thursday, with his future as head coach up in the air. The team will make the decision at a later date, with assistant coach Joe Mazzulla taking over as the interim head coach.
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Udoka released a statement through ESPN's Malika Andrews. He apologized to everyone who was affected by his actions. He accepted the suspension, but made no further comment about the 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."
NEW: Statement from Celtics coach Ime Udoka https://t.co/MFutFx7c3l
There were rumors that he was involved with Allison Feaster, the Boston Celtics' Vice-President of Player Development and Organizational Growth. However, Marc J. Spears of ESPN has refuted the rumors and cleared Feaster, who was being dragged into the situation.
Meanwhile, Paul Pierce chimed in on the situation with an ill-advised post on Twitter.
"It should just be a fine not a suspension," Pierce tweeted.
It should just be a fine not a suspension 🤷🏾♂️
Fans blasted the Celtics legend for his take, with some even referencing Pierce's scandalous video while he was working for ESPN last year. He streamed a poker game featuring women wearing bikinis who were massaging Pierce's shoulders. The women also twerked in the video, and ESPN promptly fired him afterwards
@paulpierce34 “it should just be a fine not a suspension” https://t.co/AxsOSFab2S
What's next for the Boston Celtics?
Ime Udoka's suspension came at the worst time for the Boston Celtics. They were coming off an impressive season where they made it to the NBA Finals with two wins away from a championship. Interim coach Joe Mazzulla is capable of handling the team and is held in high regard within the organization.
Mazzulla was praised by Udoka back in June during their run to the finals. Jayson Tatum raved about the assistant coach who helped him improve his game, per Fox Sports.
"He's gotten so much more knowledgeable, and more detailed, and more vocal and more comfortable in his role as a coach," Tatum said. "You've seen the growth from his first year, and he's helped me out tremendously as a player and a person."
Listen to what Celtics F Jayson Tatum had to say about Joe Mazzulla back in June 🎧
https://t.co/A3CVCmUdvU
The Celtics were the favorites to win the Eastern Conference heading into the season. They added guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward Danilo Gallinari this summer. Brogdon is a much-needed playmaker, while Gallinari is a veteran scorer who will come off the bench.
However, Gallinari suffered a torn ACL while on international duty. Robert Williams III will miss the early part of the season due to a knee injury. The Celtics had one of the best summers in the league, but things have gone a little south heading into training camp.