Boston Celtics head coach and Nia Long’s long-time fiancé, Ime Udoka, speaks out after being suspended for having an intimate relationship with a female franchise staff member. Udoka gave an official statement to ESPN’s Malika Andrews following the news of the suspension which is effective immediately for the 2022-2023 season.

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” he said. “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment,” he told the outlet.

NEW: Statement from Celtics coach Ime Udoka pic.twitter.com/MFutFx7c3l

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 23, 2022

Udoka and Long, who share a 10-year-old son Kez Sunday Udoka, met in 2010 and got engaged in 2015. Nia has not spoken out about the cheating scandal.