Ime Udoka: Celtics female staffer Amanda Pflugrad ends 'disgusting' speculation floating on social media
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: With the Boston Celtics announcing the suspension of their coach Ime Udoka for "multiple violations of conduct rules," the speculations are rife over what led to this decision. As per the leaked report, the former star basketball player was having a relationship with a female colleague, which blew off after the woman accused him of making unwanted comments toward her. This led to a series of internal interviews, and finally, Udoka was handed a one-year ban by the team.
Since the Celtics decided to keep the name of the female staffer undisclosed, this invited many theories on social media, and several people were dragged in. One of the victims of these rumors was staff reporter Amanda Pflugrad, who finally reacted and slammed such allegations.
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It’s time to speak up on this matter and to my female coworkers, I see you and I am always here #womeninsports pic.twitter.com/c4RKu4HcxL
— Amanda_Pflugrad (@Amanda_Pflugrad) September 23, 2022
She wrote on her Twitter handle, “As a female of the Celtics organization, watching these last few days unfold has been heartbreaking. Seeing uninvolved people's names thrown around in the media, including mine, with such carelessness is disgusting. This is a step backwards for women in sports who have worked hard to prove themselves in an industry they deserve to be in.” She further said, “It's time to speak up on this matter and to my female coworkers, I see you and I am always here #womeninsports.”
NBA pundit, Stephen A Smith has asked for more information about this decision, since it is ruining the reputation of other innocent parties. He said during his ESPN show, “At this particular moment in time... Ime Udoka is an unhireable individual. But the unhireable portion, I would make the claim, is primarily due to the fact that the story was leaked out and we are now discussing it publicly. The woman who elected to have a consensual relationship with him is not in violation [of team policy]? He gets to get mentioned and put on front street - we don't know who she is.”
The incident has also brought disbelief and saddened Udoka's longtime fiancé and actress, Nia Long. Her spokeswoman made a statement on her behalf, “The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time means so much to me. I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.” Long shares a 10-year-old son with Udoka.