Fans and followers of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler know him for being an avid poker player. He has been seen posting videos of himself playing the game and giving out dollar notes to people.
However, “Jimmy Buckets” got himself embroiled in a controversy during his stint in a celebrity poker game last June.
Hustler Casino Live co-producer Nick Vertucci recently blasted the NBA star for his behavior during that game. X user Rob Perez uploaded a video in which Vertucci described some scenarios in which Butler was rude to the people in the casino. The producer also said that the Heat forward had no idea how to play the game.
“He was rude to everybody. He wasn’t just rude to me. He was rude to the whole staff,” Vertucci said of Butler. “I don’t want him back.”
Vertucci also revealed that Butler got up from his seat and started lashing out when he started losing money. One staff member informed Vertucci of the situation, and the co-producer went to try calming the NBA star down. However, Butler remained unconsolable, rudely telling Vertucci to “take his hand off his [expletive] arm.”
When Vertucci said he wanted to help Butler, the player responded, “You wanna help me, go get my money.”
The co-producer also disclosed that Butler came to the casino with an entourage, which he gave $100 bills each, only to eventually take them back when they were done recording him giving away money. Apparently, it was a publicity stunt.
Vertucci also said that the Miami Heat forward wasn’t very kind to a young fan who wanted to talk to him that day. The NBA star’s rudeness earned him a permanent blacklisting from the showrunner, never to be allowed to play in the show again.
Miami Heat star blasted for leaving poker table after doubling his earnings
In that same poker game in June, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler got called out by businessman and social media influencer Dan Bilzerian. It was after he left the game after he had doubled his money.
Bilzerian apparently did not anticipate that play by Butler.
“That basketball player wanted to leave so bad once he doubled up. He was ready to hit the [expletive] door,” said the businessman about Butler’s exit. “That was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. The guy sat there for two hours and watched poker.”
That may be a cowardly move from a poker player’s standpoint, but for Butler, it was a smart decision.
Aside from Bilzerian, Butler played with football stars Neymar Jr. and Pedro Velasco boxers Chris Eubank Jr., and Ryan Garcia, YouTuber/livestreamer Ninja, comedian/vlogger Jon Vlogs, footballer, and poker player Alan Keating, until the Miami Heat star took off with his winnings.
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