Shaq won’t talk about Ime Udoka scandal, citing own ‘serial cheater’ history

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Shaquille O’Neal has a history of being a “serial cheater,” which is why he won’t talk about the scandal surrounding Celtics coach Ime Udoka.

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During a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the NBA legend discussed Udoka, who was suspended for the upcoming season over violating the Celtics’ code of conduct by having an alleged affair with a woman staffer.

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O’Neal said he’s “going to step down” from the conversation because he “was a serial cheater.”

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“It would be crazy and blasphemous for me to get up here and say, ‘Boom, boom, bam.’ I can’t do that. I know these guys personally. I know they’re going through a lot because I went through a lot,” O’Neal said, as reported by NESN.

Udoka reportedly violated “multiple” team policies and has been suspended for a year. Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla will take over as interim coach.

“I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision,” Udoka said in a statement to ESPN. “Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”