The woman Ime Udoka is accused of cheating on Nia Long with at work, leading to his season-long suspension, is now reportedly confirmed by inside sources.
In a Daily Mail report, Udoka’s mystery mistress is identified as 34-year-old Kathleen Nimmo Lynch. The outlet reports that Lynch is a devout Mormon. She is also a married mother of three who serves as the Celtics’ team service manager.
Ime Udoka saying hello to Kathleen Nimmo-Lynch after winning ECF 🍿pic.twitter.com/XPQdOoT3Ch
— Paul C (@HurtsyIvania) October 1, 2022
Kathleen Nimmo Lynch Is Team Service Manager, Directly Helping Udoka
The Celtics never confirmed that Lynch was the woman named in their internal investigation, although her name was reportedly leaked online shortly after Udoka’s suspension was announced.
One of the two women involved in a inappropriate relationship with Head Coach Ime Udoka is Kathleen Nimmo-Lynch. She’s a married mother of 3. Here she is seen pictured with her family including her husband Taylor Lynch, a highly valued consultant for the Boston Celtics. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/z2DyrzzXUw
— Local Legendz (@LocaLegendz) September 24, 2022
Daily Mail reports that Lynch’s job duties included arranging travel, lodging, and game tickets for Celtics family members at home and on the road. She also likely arranged travel for Udoka’s fiancée, actress Nia Long when she and her children moved to Boston last month.
No disrespect to Kathleen Nimmo Lynch. But not over Nia Long! 🤯 And not worth risking a multi million dollar job with the Celtics. If Ime Udoka isnt a citizen – he should be deported for this one. Causing NIA LONG to distrust black men is high treason in the black culture. pic.twitter.com/lrgei4C8SX
— Randomish (@RandomishTues) September 23, 2022
On September 22nd, The Boston Celtics issued a news release revealing that Head Coach Udoka would be suspended for the entire 2022-2023 NBA season after his cheating scandal with a female staff member was brought to light. The franchise stated that Udoka violated team policies.
The Boston Celtics announced today that the team has suspended Head Coach Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies. A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 23, 2022
Shortly after, Udoka issued an apology for his actions.
I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision.”
Nia Long has not formally addressed the scandal but told PEOPLE she appreciated the support she’s been receiving and requested that folks respect her privacy during this time.
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.”