Celtics suspend Udoka for upcoming season

The Celtics suspended coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season, effective immediately, and with no guarantee he will be back with the franchise.

On Thursday night, the Celtics said Udoka was suspended for “violations of team policies.” Earlier, it was reported by multiple outlets that Udoka was being sanctioned because of an improper relationship with a member of the organization.

Udoka, in a statement published by ESPN, apologized.

Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over on an interim basis.

Udoka, 45, had a brilliant first season with the Celtics, leading the team to the NBA Finals. The Celtics lost the title series to the Warriors in six games.

Five-time All-Star F Kawhi Leonard was cleared to participate fully in training camp next week, but Clippers president Lawrence Frank said the team will proceed with “step-by-step” caution. Leonard, 31, missed last season.

College football: The NCAA placed LSU on one year of probation and issued a three-year show cause against ex-assistant coach James Cregg, who it says admitted to meeting with a prospect and giving him team gear during a COVID recruiting dead period . ... College Football Hall of Fame coach Darrell Mudra died Wednesday at age 93. Mudra won better than 70% of his games. He won the College Division national title at North Dakota State in 1965 and the Division II title at Eastern Illinois in 1978.

NFL: Three-time Pro Bowl DE Jason PierrePaul agreed to a one-year contract with the Ravens. Pierre-Paul, 33, recoded 2½ sacks last season for the Buccaneers. He underwent shoulder surgery in February.

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