Sources: Investigation found Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka used crude language in dialogue with female subordinate prior to start of improper relationship

The independent law firm probe into Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka found that he used crude language in his dialogue with a female subordinate prior to the start of an improper workplace relationship with the woman.

According to sources, those investigative findings, which described Udoka's part that was deemed especially concerning coming from a workplace superior, contribute to what is likely a difficult path back to his job as Celtics coach.

The power dynamic associated with a superior's improper relationship with a staff member was the primary finding and policy violation cited in the law firm's report.

According to sources, the Celtics won't stand in Udoka's way if he gets the chance to play in the playoffs. According to sources, teams are trying to gather a preliminary understanding of the full explanation for Udoka's suspension in order to possibly evaluate him for a future coaching job.

Udoka's salary will be reduced during the suspension, according to Grousbeck.

The Celtics lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors in Udoka's first season. The Celtics return a team expected again to be a championship favorite, and Udoka had appeared destined for a long runway as the franchise's coach after replacing Brad Stevens, who moved into the front office role previously occupied by Danny Ainge.

No one else in the organization was disciplined as a result of the investigation. Stevens became emotional when he described the number of women employed by the Celtics who were targeted by false social media rumors.

Joe was promoted to interim coach by the Celtics. He is well-regarded inside and outside of the Celtics organization and Stevens is his most significant supporter. Will Hardy, an assistant to the Celtics, was the one who got the Utah Jazz head-coaching job.

The criteria Udoka would need to meet in order to return to coaching the Celtics was not explained.

Grousbeck insisted that the Celtics' decision to suspend Udoka for the entire season was the correct one.

There is no clear guidelines for any of this. Its conscience and gut feel are what it is. It wasn't clear what to do but it was clear that something needed to be done.

Tim Bontemps was a contributor.