It’s been over eight months since a scandal rocked the Boston Celtics, involving their head coach, Ime Udoka, having an affair with a staffer.
The woman, later identified as Kathleen Nimmo Lynch, is an important member of the organization, with close ties to key figures within the team. Initially, the Celtics chose not to reveal her name, keeping the affair under wraps.
Kathleen Nimmo Lynch: A Crucial Member of the Celtics Organization
Kathleen has been with the Celtics for eight years, playing a crucial role in managing travel, accommodations, and tickets for the players’ families. A devoted Mormon and a mother of three, she was always praised for her dedication and hard work.
Danny Ainge’s Personal Ties with Kathleen Nimmo Lynch
Kathleen had a strong friendship with Danny Ainge, the former executive director of basketball operations for the Celtics. Ainge was aware of her involvement with Udoka but chose not to intervene. However, after Ainge left the organization, the situation was no longer his concern.
The Scandal Unveiled: Ime Udoka and Kathleen Nimmo Lynch
Ime Udoka saying hello to Kathleen Nimmo-Lynch after winning ECF 🍿pic.twitter.com/XPQdOoT3Ch
— Paul C (@HurtsyIvania) October 1, 2022
The affair came to light in September 2022 when Ime Udoka was caught having an intimate relationship with another Celtics staffer, later revealed to be Kathleen Nimmo Lynch. The team knew about the situation but refrained from taking action until Udoka made inappropriate comments about her, as reported by the Bleacher Report.
Ime Udoka’s Admission and the Fallout
Udoka admitted that the relationship was consensual and romantic. At the time, he was also in a long-term relationship with actress Nia Long, which complicated matters both personally and professionally.
Long decided to end her ties with Udoka, and as a consequence of the affair, the Celtics suspended him for an entire season. Despite the suspension, Udoka is set to return next season, having signed with the Houston Rockets.
Joe Mazzulla Steps In and Celtics’ Performance
During Udoka’s absence, Joe Mazzulla took on the role of interim head coach, and the Celtics managed to perform well in the Eastern Conference. While some people sympathized with Udoka, considering it a personal matter, others hinted that the situation may be more complex and contentious than publicly known. Former player Matt Barnes claimed to have inside knowledge of the affair’s true nature.