Nia Long Shares Cryptic Post About Being 'Tested' Amid Custody Battle With Cheating Ex
By Fiyin Olowokandi on September 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM EDT
Days after the disgraced NBA coach countered the TV personality's request for full custody of their son, Kez, the "Friday" star seemingly addressed the former athlete's actions.
The caramel-toned beauty's cryptic message came a year after the head coach for the Houston Rockets was fired from the Boston Celtics over his cheating scandal.
Nia Long Remains Positive In Her Full Custody War Against Ime Udoka
In her latest Instagram update, the "Boyz n the Hood" actress appeared to reflect on her ongoing custody battle with her ex-fiancé. Although the 52-year-old did not mention her former beau, her words hinted at the duo's rocky separation.
"Sometimes the Universe tests you the most when you're close to a new chapter," the TV personality penned in her September 15 post. Her motivational message came amid Udoka firing back at her lawsuit & requesting joint custody of the former couple's son, Kez.
In his legal filing at a Los Angeles County Court, the NBA coach asked a judge to grant the duo equal rights over their child's wellbeing. This meant the 46-year-old would have authority in crucial decisions about his son, from medical treatment to schooling and religion.
If the judge grants his request, Long's full custody request would be dismissed, and Udoka would have a 50% time share with their son. Additionally, the Houston Rockets head coach wanted the ex-lovers to be responsible for their attorney fees, while the mother of two planned to make him pay for her bills.
Despite fighting for joint custody, the former basketball player's legal documents showed that he marked the box for "visitation" rights with his son. This implies Udoka is willing to let Kez live with Long given he spends time with the boy during his off days or summer break.
The coach's legal filing came weeks after the "Big Momma's House" actress surprisingly filed for full custody of their son. The 52-year-old requested sole physical and legal rights pertaining to Kez but agreed to let Udoka have visitation opportunities.
Long enlisted the services of Samantha Spector, a celebrity attorney, to push her petition to "determine a parental relationship" since the pair were not married. The New Yorker's fight for full custody of her son might stem from the alleged difficulties the boy faced because of the cheating scandal.
According to the three-time NAACP Image Award winner, Kez was devastated by his father's infidelity. “He still has moments where it’s not easy for him,” the mother of two once confessed, recalling how she pulled him out of school the day Udoka's affair went viral.
“I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public,” Long lamented, slamming the popular NBA team.
The drama began after the Boston Celtics dropped a statement about releasing Udoka from his position as head coach of their team. He was fired for violating the organization's code of conduct by having an "intimate and conceptual relationship" with a female Celtic staff member.
Following his former team's message, Udoka confirmed his immoral actions with the response: “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”
The BET Comedy Award Winner Claimed She Would Not Retaliate Against Her Ex-fiancé
Months before Long's cryptic message about new beginnings, the 52-year-old seemingly addressed her split from Udoka on her Instagram page. In May, the "Boston Legal" actress opened up about revenge following her former flame's getting a new job.
The TV personality's quote read, “The best revenge is no revenge. Move on. Be happy.” Her words showed the entertainer's reliance on peace instead of seeking vengeance against the man who hurt her.
Long's message was positively received by her followers and friends, including talk show host Robinson Peete, who commented, “Yes, Sis! Revenge continues the toxicity.” Former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Tanya Sam echoed similar sentiments, writing: “Amen. Bitter or better.”
As stated, the caramel-toned beauty's post came after Udoka's new post as the Houston Rockets coach was announced. The NBA team snatched him up following rumors that The Nets had backed out of hiring the coach over his cheating scandal.
