BOSTON - Former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach has been hospitalized in Washington.

Celtics team spokesman Jeff Twiss told The Boston Globe for a story Thursday that Auerbach, who is also the Celtics team president, has been "in and out" of the hospital during the past month for tests and a successful operation. Auerbach was readmitted for an unspecified problem within the last 10 days, Twiss said.

The Globe did not report the name of the hospital where Auerbach was staying. Auerbach's family requested that no information be released about his condition.

Auerbach, who turns 88 on Sept. 20, has had recent health problems before his latest hospitalization. In June, he was not feeling well enough to attend the Celtics' annual draft party in Waltham. The next month, he was unable to attend his weeklong summer basketball camp, which has been in operation for more than four decades. This year, it was held at the University of New Hampshire.

This year would be Auerbach's 56th with the Celtics organization. He joined the team in 1950 when he became the franchise's third head coach. Auerbach coached Boston to nine NBA titles, including in each of his final eight seasons before he stepped aside from coaching duties to focus on his job as general manager in 1966.

He also has served as vice chairman of the board.