Two months ago, Jimmy Butler spent some time in his offseason playing celebrity poker with football star Neymar Jr. and suspended lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia in Los Angeles. The Miami Heat forward apparently was not in his best behavior during the games, and so a legendary UFC announcer has called him out.
Bruce Buffer was among the celebrity guests invited to play the next game. A video uploaded by Rob Perez on X saw Hustler Casino Live co-producer Nick Vertucci sound off on Butler’s alleged bad behavior during the game, saying he had a “primadonna” attitude. Hearing Vertucci’s story, Buffer got upset.
“He wasn’t a real poker player, I can tell you that much,” Buffer said about Butler.
Vertucci, who was none too pleased with Butler’s attitude, confirmed they won’t invite him to future Hustler Casino Live events ever again. He even dared Butler’s fans to clip his comments about him.
Aside from Neymar and Garcia, Butler was also joined by boxer Chris Eubank Jr., YouTuber/livestreamer Ninja, comedian/vlogger Jon Vlogs, footballer Pedro Velasco, poker player Alan Keating, and social media influencer Dan Blizerian, who was upset when the NBA star left the poker table after he doubled his winnings.
“That basketball player wanted to leave so bad once he doubled up. He was ready to hit the [expletive] door,” an unhappy Bilzerian said. “That was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. The guy sat there for two hours and watched poker.”
Jimmy Butler in trade rumors this offseason
Jimmy Butler led the Heat to two NBA finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. The 34-year-old has embodied the “Heat Culture” that spelled success for the franchise.
Having been the face of the Miami Heat since 2019, “Jimmy Buckets” is due a contract extension. He apparently wants a two-year max contract that would let him stay four more years with the Heat.
Butler’s name has been circulating in trade rumors this offseason. According to CBS Sports, money is one of the main reasons the Heat office is contemplating trading him away.
The six-time NBA All-Star has missed 110 regular-season games since 2019 and was out of action against the Boston Celtics in the entire first round of the playoffs last season. With his durability in question, Miami Heat president Pat Riley, while open to giving the small forward an extension, has second thoughts on giving him a max contract.
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