Nia Long places her family first.
After her fiance, Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, was demoted due to an alleged affair with a female staff member, the Fatal Affair actress released a statement.
Long mentioned, “I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this trying time. “As I contemplate the recent events, I kindly ask that my privacy be respected. I am a mother first and foremost, so I will always put my kids first.”
Since 2015, Long, 51, and Udoka, 45, have been dating. Kez Sunday Udoka, their son, was born to them both in 2011. Long and actor Massai Dorsey had a second child together, Massai Dorsey II, who is now 21 years old.
The Boston Celtics released a statement regarding Udoka’s immediate ban from the team on Thursday. They stated that Udoka had broken “team policies” at the time and that his future with the squad will be reviewed.
ESPN reported that Udoka had a “role in an intimate relationship with a female member of the franchise’s staff” just before the Celtics statement went online.
Later, the claims were verified.
Udoka later provided a comment regarding the alleged relationship to ESPN’s Malika Andrews. I’m sorry for disappointing our team, fans, the whole Celtics organization, and my family, the player added. I respect the team’s decision and apologize for placing them in this precarious position.
He closed his statement by saying, “I will have no further remark out of respect for everyone concerned.”
Since 2021, Udoka has served as the team’s head coach.