Nia Lengthy can vividly keep in mind the second that despatched shockwaves by the sports activities world in September, when her longtime companion, Celtics coach Ime Udoka, was suspended by the group over an alleged affair.
“I actually felt like my coronary heart had jumped out of my physique,” Lengthy recounted of the media onslaught in a brand new interview revealed Thursday by The Hollywood Reporter.
Udoka, who helped lead the Celtics to an NBA Finals look in June, was barred from the staff for a 12 months after reportedly partaking in an improper and consensual relationship with a feminine member of the staff employees, violating the franchise’s code of conduct. Lengthy, 52, says the latest occasions have been “devastating” for his or her 11-year-old son, Kez, whom the actress took out of college as information of the scandal emerged.
“I believe probably the most heartbreaking factor about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics group determined to make a really personal scenario public,” Lengthy mentioned.
“It was devastating, and it nonetheless is. He nonetheless has moments the place it’s not simple for him. In the event you’re within the enterprise of defending girls — I’m sorry, nobody from the Celtics group has even known as to see if I’m OK, to see if my kids are OK. It’s very disappointing.”
Udoka, 45, joined the Celtics in 2021 after serving as an assistant coach for the Nets a 12 months prior. Lengthy, who received engaged to Udoka in 2015, supported Boston all through its playoff run, ceaselessly taking to social media to cheer on the Celtics.
Though Lengthy didn't elaborate on the standing of her relationship with Udoka to The Hollywood Reporter, she spoke about the outpouring of assist she obtained following Udoka’s alleged dalliances.
“What I discovered was this tribe of ladies and men who have been standing up for me in a approach that felt like I used to be on this bubble of safety, and that was very comforting,” she mentioned.
Udoka, who was linked to the Nets’ head teaching job in October following Steve Nash’s ouster, apologized to his family members in an announcement following his suspension for the 2022-23 season.
“I need to apologize to our gamers, followers, your entire Celtics group, and my household for letting them down,” Udoka mentioned. “I'm sorry for placing the staff on this troublesome scenario, and I settle for the staff’s determination. Out of respect for everybody concerned, I'll don't have any additional remark.”
Reps for the Celtics didn't instantly return The Submit’s request for remark.
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