ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is reportedly “furious” with the Boston Celtics for leaking information about head coach Ime Udoka.
Udoka, 45, faces a year-long suspension for a consensual but “improper” relationship with a female staffer.
Udoka and the Celtics are reportedly in “separation talks” amid speculation that he slept with the wife of a Celtics executive.
Smith accused the Celtics of putting the information “out there” on Thursday’s episode of “First Take.”
“This was leaked by the Boston Celtics’ organization,” he said.
Smith said white athletes and staffers who sleep around are treated differently.
“I don’t see the information out about them. Why we talking about this now? We got to talk about it because it’s the news. Ain’t none of our damn business unless you fire him. But if you keep him, it’s none of our business. It should’ve never been put out there by the Celtics organization. And don’t tell me you didn’t do it because you absolutely did it because news reporters got it, and it emanated out of Boston.”
Smith said the Celtics leaked the information because of Udoka’s race.
“I’m appalled by this decision. If you’re not going to fire him, he shouldn’t be suspended. You can dock pay, you can fine him, you can keep the stuff in-house. I’m appalled this is publicized. I know of plenty of situations spanning the entire world of professional sports, not just the NBA… where folks are messing around with each other. You don’t see this become a story.”
The Celtics have not announced Udoka’s suspension or disciplinary action.
