When it comes to the national media, there isn’t anyone more plugged into the Miami Heat than Dan Le Batard is.
And when it comes to the team’s dealings with Jimmy Butler, the Meadowlark Media co-founder believes the Heat and team president Pat Riley have reached the point of no return.
Miami’s ongoing saga with its star swingman has lasted nearly two months, dating back to Shams Charania’s initial report that the Heat would be open to trading Butler in early-December. The time since has seen the six-time All-Star seemingly request a trade publicly before serving a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team — only to get suspended again shortly after his return after reportedly missing a team fight.
On Monday, the Heat issued Jimmy Butler yet another suspension — his third in less than a month — after he reportedly walked out of a team practice. According to Le Batard, Miami’s quick trigger finger when it comes to suspending its star player isn’t a coincidence, as Riley finds himself in an unprecedented power struggle.
“I’m led to assume the Heat will suspend him if he hiccups wrong,” Le Batard said on Tuesday’s episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. “The rules have all changed now to ‘whatever it is we need to do to suspend him’ — he’s now practicing with a bunch of guys who don’t want to be practicing with him. If you believe in the cultish aspects of — look man, these people are very much ‘us against everybody.’
“You’re now embarrassing in public a guy who has had Godfather power in this sport — earned — for 50 years,” Le Batard continued, in reference to Riley. “I cannot imagine how cruel and petty he is doing this as he’s got the strength of everybody behind him, Stugotz. Because it’s the easiest thing in the world right now to lean back on Jimmy Butler. The entire machine does.
“Nobody’s going to support what he’s doing now. That’s not going to be supported even by the crassest of businessmen. But it is the model for how you get what you want in this sport. They benefitted from it 15 years ago and they suffer from it now. Like, this is what happens when the player gets the power.”
“I’m led to assume the Heat will suspend him if he hiccups wrong. The rules have all changed now…You’re now embarrassing in public a guy who has had Godfather power in this sport – earned – for 50 years. I can’t imagine how cruel and petty he’s doing this as he’s got the… pic.twitter.com/3Ludz3Ngo6
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) January 28, 2025
While Le Batard often gives deference to Riley, even he seems to be acknowledging the roles that both sides have played in what’s been an increasingly ugly breakup. Meanwhile, guest co-host and Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote placed the bulk of the blame on Jimmy Butler, labeling the 35-year-old as a “quitter” who has ruined his legacy.
“He’s quit on everybody. He’s quit on his team, on his teammates, on the fans, on the city of Miami, on the integrity of the NBA.” @gregcote has had enough with “quitter” Jimmy Butler who has “ruined his legacy” with his recent actions.
WATCH: https://t.co/lqe1KqWyBL pic.twitter.com/yC9tGbaJ4n
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) January 28, 2025
To Dan Le Batard’s point, perhaps no team in the NBA has benefitted more from the league’s “player empowerment era” more than the Heat, as best exemplified by the formation of the LeBron James/Dwyane Wade/Chris Bosh “Big Three” in 2010. Conversely, Butler is no stranger to ugly exits, as evidenced by his orchestrated departure from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018.
What happens when a player and team who have both become accustomed to getting their ways find themselves at odds? We’re finding out now. And look no further than Le Batard’s comments to see how messy it’s gotten.
