Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla says he has cut ties with Christian group Life Surge and will skip its Oct. 17 Hartford event amid allegations of predatory financial practices. He also asked the organization to remove his image from its website.
A joint investigation by the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” and Mother Jones’ Kiera Butler reported that celebrities were paid to attract attendees to a $97 introductory class, then pitch financial-education packages reportedly priced at $10,000 to $40,000, including lessons on stocks and real estate. It said people unable to pay upfront were allegedly encouraged to borrow or use retirement funds; variable rates on credit lines could rise to unmanageable levels.
Mazzulla spoke at a Life Surge event in Portland, Maine, last September; his compensation was unclear. He said he hopes affected attendees can get resources and guidance, while continuing to pursue a positive impact through his faith. Tim Tebow said Friday he was pausing his relationship with Life Surge as his team investigates allegations he called “extremely serious.”
