Top 5 scandals in the NBA in 2022 featuring Ime Udoka's infidelity, Miles Bridges' assault, Kyrie Irving's antisemitism, and more
Although we haven't even hit the halfway mark in the NBA season yet, this year has seen more controversy than any other season in recent memory. Although Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole may have been the biggest story going into the season, many others have since taken its place.
With the year winding down, we're taking a look back at the biggest NBA scandals of 2020.
Ime Udka's infidelity scandal
Reports that Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka had been engaged in what the team deemed an inappropriate relationship rocked the NBA world. With the Celtics poised to make another run at the NBA Finals, Udoka being suspended for the season left many frustrated.
It was then revealed that the "inappropriate relationship" also reportedly included nonconsensual comments and advances. Add onto that reports that the Celtics organization didn't even reach out to Nia Long (Udoka's girlfriend and mother to his son) to check on the well-being of her and her son, and the scandal kept getting worse.
Miles Bridges' assault conviction
This summer, Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges was arrested and charged with three felony domestic violence charges. Allegedly, Bridges assaulted his wife in front of their kids in June.
Fast forward to this week and Bridges is reportedly in talks with the Hornets for a new deal after pleading guilty (and avoiding jail time) to one felony charge in November. According to ESPN, Bridges and the Hornets are "gathering traction" on a new deal.
Kyrie Irving's anti-semitism
No scandal this season has gotten more attention than Kyrie Irving's antisemitic post that eventually resulted in his suspension. After posting a video from a conspiracy theory documentary, Irving then doubled down during a heated back-and-forth with ESPN reporter Nick Friedell.
After carefully then tiptoeing around an apology, the self-proclaimed "beacon of light' was then suspended for eight games by the team. Since returning from suspension, he has managed to keep out of the spotlight and hasn't created any further controversy.
Robert Sarver sells Suns in wake of groundbreaking report
In September, ESPN published a revealing report on Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver. Through much research, it was revealed that Sarver had used racist and misogynistic language on more than one occasion, including, but not limited to the N-word.
Sarver, who denied the allegations, initially had no plans to sell the team. Eventually, he gave in, announcing his intention to sell both the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury. Recently, a deal was finalized for Sarver to sell the two franchises to Mat Ishbia, closing the book on Sarver's infamous stint as owner.
Josh Primo accused of exposing himself
With all of the other controversies that took place in the league, Josh Primo's flashing scandal seemed to fly somewhat under the radar. According to a Spurs psychologist, Primo exposed himself to her nine separate times.
Allegedly, the Spurs organization ignored the staff member's claims brought to their attention. The report resulted in the team waiving the young prospect as they stared down a lawsuit from the former team psychologist.
With the season nearly halfway over, we're likely to see plenty more scandals in the remainder of the year.