Nia Long Nia Long on Monday, March 2, 2020, before the premiere of “The Banker” at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Black plays Eunice Garrett. 030220thebankerredcarpet36

It shouldn’t come as a shock that actress Nia Long ended her 13-year relationship with Ime Udoka after his affair with a Boston Celtics co-worker. What might be a shock is that the pair apparently didn’t break up right away.

The official announcement of the break-up didn’t come until this Tuesday when Long herself confirmed that the power couple had indeed broken up. Long told People that she wants to focus on herself and her family.

“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” Long said to People. “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.”

Long and Udoka have a 10-year-old son together. She said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she was upset with the Celtics organization for releasing the information to the public about the affair and how devastating it was to her and her son.

Udoka was suspended for a year by the Celtics and hasn’t said much about the situation since then. A few months ago there was speculation that he might become the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach but their ownership was reportedly talked out of pursuing that.

{People}

About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.