|
|
Post by Tom on Sept 22, 2022 8:42:00 GMT -5
Celtics Coach Ima Udoka is facing suspension for violating team rules. His infraction does not violate NBA rules (or any enforced law for that matter)
He was in a consensual workplace relationship which the Celtics don't allow. In this day and age that is a risky endeavor, especially when one of the two is higher in the organization than the other person. Rumor on talk radio says the suspension could be for up to a year
|
|
|
|
Post by purplehaze on Sept 22, 2022 10:12:42 GMT -5
As I understand it, it should be noted that he is a married man (and not separated)
|
|
|
|
Post by Sons of Vaval on Sept 22, 2022 10:19:50 GMT -5
Don’t believe he’s married, but rather has been with longtime girlfriend / partner Nia Long.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom on Sept 22, 2022 10:28:51 GMT -5
Don’t believe he’s married, but rather has been with longtime girlfriend / partner Nia Long. She is being labeled in local press as his fiancee |
|
|
|
Post by Tom on Sept 22, 2022 10:54:26 GMT -5
I should clarify. The press is calling Nia Long his fiancee - not the lady who works for the Celtics
|
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Sept 22, 2022 11:25:18 GMT -5
Will the female employee be suspended for violating the same work rule, or will her subordinate position protect her as the undisputed victim who is blameless?
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom on Sept 22, 2022 12:22:32 GMT -5
Her status is not being publicized
One reason for this type of rule is that a junior employee could feel pressured by overtures from a more senior employee. Obviously she broke the same rule he did and one would think she should be liable for the same penalty. However, even though the local media is tripping over themselves saying everything was consensual, she could claim pressure from his authority led to her consent. if the organization takes any action against her. Sounds like potential liability. I can't imagine Udoka suing the Celtics for discrimination if some staff level person doesn't get the same penalty he did.
Also, from a strictly business standpoint, his transgression is worse than hers as a higher member of the organization
|
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Sept 22, 2022 15:51:38 GMT -5
Perhaps, if they handle this as the Navy did, she will be in big trouble...as were the women officers who were victimized at the Tailhook event and (from some stories) in other events as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by clmetsfan on Sept 22, 2022 16:07:32 GMT -5
Dude landed Nia Long and then cheated on her. Some things are beyond comprehension.
|
|
|
|
Post by HC92 on Sept 22, 2022 18:38:29 GMT -5
I had never heard of Ima Udoka until I read this thread. Guess I really don’t follow the NBA.
|
|
|
|
Post by rgs318 on Sept 22, 2022 18:39:41 GMT -5
Welcome to the club of those of us who also don't follow the NBA (any longer).
|
|
|
|
Post by nycrusader2010 on Sept 22, 2022 19:59:18 GMT -5
Will the female employee be suspended for violating the same work rule, or will her subordinate position protect her as the undisputed victim who is blameless? Depends on how rule is written in company handbook guidelines when it comes to the female staffer. But, the law is clear when it comes to the coach. Quid pro quo is not only frowned upon, it's illegal. |
|
|
|
Post by nycrusader2010 on Sept 22, 2022 20:01:49 GMT -5
According to NY POST, Udoma and Long had "separated" prior to "recent events".
|
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Sept 22, 2022 22:17:00 GMT -5
Subsequent to the separation somebody dropped a dime.
The Red Sox had an issue a few years ago that was handled smoothly, practically a Hallmark Romance compared to this Celtics saga.
Third Baseman Will Middlebrooks dated and subsequently married NESN (under common ownership with the Red Sox) sideline reporter Jenny Dell.
Jenny slid over to other coverage at NESN and then moved on and has continued her sports reporting career while raising a family with Will, who hung on in the majors until 2019 and worked for NESN himself this season.
I think one reason everything turned out well in that case is because it was a typical romance between two young unmarried people that was easy to relate to and disclosure was made, not immediately but before too long.
|
|
|
|
Post by hchoops on Sept 23, 2022 7:21:50 GMT -5
Suspended for the season, at least.
His statement which mentioned only regret for the team may not help him, though it may be for possible legal protection.
|
|
|
|
Post by clmetsfan on Sept 23, 2022 9:44:08 GMT -5
Suspended for the season, at least. His statement which mentioned only regret for the team may not help him, though it may be for possible legal protection. I've also seen some speculate that the suspension vs. outright firing may be to avoid the possibility of a wrongful termination lawsuit. Seems both sides are keeping thing close to the vest. The relationship had previously been called consensual, but the Athletic is now reporting that the female subordinate had accused him of unwanted comments, which is what prompted the internal investigation. If true, man, good on the Celtics. Given last year's success and the rosy future, most organizations would have swept this under the rug and not disrupted the team. It's nice to know that professional success isn't always going to let guys get away with being creeps. |
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Sept 23, 2022 17:21:52 GMT -5
Has there been any reporting on whether it is a paid or unpaid year's suspension? If it's unpaid is he able to take an open pro or college coaching position someplace else if one opens up during the year?
Within an hour or so of Boston?
|
|
|
|
Post by bfoley82 on Sept 23, 2022 17:52:22 GMT -5
Has there been any reporting on whether it is a paid or unpaid year's suspension? If it's unpaid is he able to take an open pro or college coaching position someplace else if one opens up during the year? Within an hour or so of Boston? The Celtics CEO said a SUBSTANTIAL financial penalty with the suspension. |
|
|
|
Post by longsuffering on Sept 23, 2022 19:13:05 GMT -5
Has there been any reporting on whether it is a paid or unpaid year's suspension? If it's unpaid is he able to take an open pro or college coaching position someplace else if one opens up during the year? Within an hour or so of Boston? The Celtics CEO said a SUBSTANTIAL financial penalty with the suspension. I wonder if that means the Celtics have him tied up for the next year. That would be the Celtics having their cake and eating it, too. |
|
