Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck strongly disagrees with anyone saying Ime Udoka’s yearlong suspension for violating team rules is too harsh.
In a press conference on Friday, Grousbeck and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens answered questions about Udoka’s suspension for over half an hour.
Grousbeck revealed that the team brought in an independent law firm to conduct an investigation when it became aware of a situation involving Udoka earlier this summer. He said that investigation “had some twists and turns” and wrapped up on Wednesday.
Grousbeck was asked if he had a response to those -- including Paul Pierce and Stephen A. Smith -- who have said the suspension is too harsh, and if the situation featured sexual harassment. He said he could not comment on the sexual harassment question for legal reasons, but he did defend the length of the suspension.
“We have reflected as a group and with outside advisors -- a diverse group, in fact, of people deciding what to do, which I take ultimate responsibility for,” Grousbeck said. “I personally feel that this is well warranted and appropriate, backed by substantial research and evidence and facts. So I’m standing by the decision, and Ime has accepted it and expressed, in fact, appreciation. I don’t want to belabor that, but he’s accepting of it and he’s planning to move forward on this basis.”
Grousbeck also confirmed that it was not a one-time misstep from Udoka, saying there were “a couple violations, at least.” He also said that there was a “significant” financial penalty to go along with the suspension, and that no one else in the organization would be facing any punishment.
Grousbeck said Udoka’s suspension officially runs through June 30, 2023. He said no decision has been made about Udoka’s future with the team after that, and was asked what he would need to see in order to accept Udoka back.
“We will make a determination at a later time about Ime’s future with us,” Grousbeck said. “That will be discussed at another time and has not been decided at this point.”
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