NBA team Miami Heat suspend Jimmy Butler again, this time indefinitely
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
The latest suspension comes after Butler reportedly was told that he would be playing in a reserve role moving forward.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
MIAMI – The Miami Heat suspended disgruntled forward Jimmy Butler indefinitely after he walked out of a team practice on Jan 27.
It marks the third time the Heat have suspended Butler in January, starting with a seven-game ban for conduct detrimental to the team and another two-game disciplinary move for missing a team flight to Milwaukee last week.
The latest suspension, which will last a minimum of five games, comes after Butler reportedly was told that he would be playing in a reserve role moving forward. The team are planning to keep Haywood Highsmith in a starting role.
Without the 35-year-old, Miami beat the Orlando Magic 125-119 in overtime at Kaseya Centre on Jan 27 for just their third win in eight games.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra addressed the Butler situation before the team faced the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan 23.
“The point that I made to our team is get used to it,” Spoelstra said.
“Get over it. This is the NBA (National Basketball Association) life; this is the life we chose. If you think it’s going to be predictable, you’re really mistaken.”
The reasoning given for Butler’s first suspension was that, “through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team”.
The Heat said at the time they would begin listening to offers for the discontented star forward. The National Basketball Players Association said it would appeal against Butler’s seven-game ban, though he wound up serving the entire suspension.
Butler returned on Jan 17 and played in three Heat home games before missing the flight to Milwaukee. Including time missed for an illness at the end of December, Butler has not played in any of Miami’s last 12 road games.
“It takes a mental fortitude and commitment in terms of the task at hand,” Spoelstra said on Jan 23.
“Nothing changes in terms of the task at hand... We have enough continuity, we know what our identity is at this point. You can make any excuse you want to, but we get to do what we love.
“We’ve had this happen all season long, so we know the exercise and what we need to do to make those adjustments.”
Tyler Herro told reporters last week there was “not much to talk about” with the latest Butler development.
“It’s probably not the easiest to work with someone who’s going to be in and out in any job. We love Jimmy; we’d love for him to be here. I love Jimmy,” Herro said.
Over the season, Butler has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25 games. Over 14 NBA seasons, the six-time All-Star has averaged 18.3 points with 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists over 839 games (734 starts). REUTERS
