Nia Long files for full custody of son with Ime Udoka, claiming the NBA coach is failing to support their child

Nia Long, ex-wife of NBA coach Ime Udoka, has filed for primary custody of the couple’s child, claiming he his failing to support his son. 

The actress and Udoka had been engaged but split last year after it emerged that the former Boston Celtics coach had an improper relationship with a fellow staffer, previously revealed as team service manager Kathleen Nimmo Lynch by DailyMail.com.

Long filed her petition in Los Angeles last week, requesting a judge to give her primary legal and physical custody of their 11-year-old son, Kez, according to TMZ. 

She claimed that Udoka was failing to support Kez, but reportedly did ask the judge to allow him a reasonable opportunity to visit his son as long as it was ‘consistent with the child’s best interest.’

A ruling on the petition has yet to be handed down, while Udoka has not responded. 

On September 23, 2022 Udoka was suspended by the Celtics  for the entire 2022-23 season for the improper relationship with Lynch, which ultimately cost him his job as acting head coach Joe Mazzulla was given the job on a permanent basis in February. 

 The Athletic reported at the time that Udoka had made ‘unwanted’ comments towards Lynch. The Celtics staffer was married with three children when the scandal broke, while Udoka was engaged to Long. 

The actress, who has starred in Boyz n the Hood, has since reportedly moved back to LA with their son. 

However, despite his reputation left in tatters, it didn’t take long for Udoka to land back in the NBA. 

The Rockets announced the 45-year-old defensive guru as their newest head coach in April, signing him to a four-year, $28.5million deal, according to the Houston Chronicle. 

More to follow.