Boston Celtics Sack Head Coach Joe Mazzulla and Three Key Players, Including Jayson Tatum, Amid Financial Misconduct Scandal
The Boston Celtics have made a shocking announcement, sacking head coach Joe Mazzulla and three of their key players, including star power forward Jayson Tatum, amid an ongoing investigation into the financial misconduct of the team’s front office.
The bombshell decision comes after weeks of speculation surrounding the Celtics’ financial dealings, with reports suggesting that improper management of team funds had been uncovered. While details remain scarce, sources close to the situation have indicated that the misconduct involved unauthorized transactions and potential embezzlement that compromised the franchise’s financial stability.
Joining Tatum in the departure are shooting guard Derrick White and center Al Horford, both of whom were critical to the team’s success last season. The loss of these core players, combined with the dismissal of Mazzulla, leaves the Celtics in a precarious position as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
In a brief statement, the Celtics’ front office acknowledged the situation:
“We are deeply disappointed by the findings of the ongoing investigation and have taken swift action to uphold the integrity and reputation of our organization. We thank Coach Mazzulla, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Al Horford for their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavors.”
Joe Mazzulla, who took over as head coach in 2023, had led the team to a successful season, narrowly missing an NBA Finals appearance. Tatum, a four-time All-Star and the face of the franchise, expressed his disappointment in a social media post, stating:
“I’m heartbroken by this unexpected turn of events. I’ve given everything to this team and city, and it’s devastating to leave under such circumstances.”
As the Celtics scramble to find replacements, assistant coach Damon Stoudamire is expected to step in as interim head coach. The franchise will also need to navigate the fallout from losing three of its star players, raising questions about the team’s ability to remain competitive in the highly contested Eastern Conference.
The NBA has yet to comment on the financial misconduct investigation but is expected to launch its own inquiry in the coming days. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as one of the league’s most storied franchises faces one of the most challenging periods in its history.
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