Boston Celtics mulling suspension of head coach Ime Udoka

The Boston Celtics basketball team is reportedly considering a suspension for head coach Ime Udoka over an alleged illicit relationship, anonymous sources told the Associated Press.

No details of disciplinary action have yet become public, the outlet noted. The AP's sources did not offer insight into the possible length of a suspension either. One source did, however, assert that Assistant Coach Joe Mazzulla would take over in Udoka's hypothetical absence.

Udoka was number four in the NBA's coach of the year ballot last year, per the outlet. The team begins its training camp next week and his absence will likely spell trouble for the team's performance this season.

The Celtics finished the regular season 51-31 during Udoka's debut and went 26-6 after that during the playoffs. They lost in the finals to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

Phoenix Suns team owner Robert Sarver received a suspension earlier this year after an investigation found he repeatedly made racist and sexist remarks. He has since announced his intent to sell the team, as well as the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

"I expected that the commissioner's one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love," Sarver said this week. "But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible."