CNN
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The love for Nia Long is flowing robust on social media as her longtime associate, Boston Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, finds herself embroiled in controversy.
Long and Udoka share a 10-year-old son and have been engaged since 2015.
Consequently, a lot of Long’s supporters expressed upset after stories surfaced that the previous skilled basketball participant was dealing with suspension for having an alleged consensual relationship with a member of the Celtics workers.
“Cheating on Nia Long? End of days has to be upon us. Because ain’t NO WAY,” tweeted Nina Parkeran Emmy-nominated TV host and designer.
On Friday Long responded to the outpouring with a press release offered to CNN by her rep.
“The outpouring love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” she mentioned within the assertion. “I ask that my privateness be revered as I course of the latest occasions. Above all, I’m a mom and can proceed to give attention to my youngsters.”
She is beloved, particularly by the Black neighborhood, as she has starred in such traditional movies as “Love Jones” and “Boyz N The Hood.”
The Celtics suspended Udoka for all the 2022 to 2023 season on Thursday.
“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka mentioned in a press release to ESPN. “I’m sorry for placing the staff on this tough state of affairs, and I settle for the staff’s choice. Out of respect for everybody concerned, I’ll haven’t any additional remark.”
Long has not spoken publicly concerning the matter, however on Wednesday she shared a repost of a well being and wellness video on Instagram that referenced discovering mild within the darkness and embracing positivity.
Last 12 months, she spoke to Popculture.com about Udoka nabbing the top teaching job after being an assistant for 9 years.
“He’s one of the most disciplined people I know. He’s worked really hard for this and now he’s got to just get to work with his players and do what he does best,” she mentioned on the time. “So, it’s an exciting time for our family to be able to sit in the stands.”