Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler has been banned from the popular Hustler Casino Live poker show. The decision came after Butler’s behavior during his debut appearance on June 23rd, which was described as “rude” and “disrespectful” by the show’s co-owner, Nick Vertucci.
Butler’s appearance on the show was highly anticipated, featuring a star-studded lineup including soccer legend Neymar, social media influencer Dan Bilzerian, and Twitch streamer Ninja. However, the excitement quickly turned sour. According to Vertucci, Butler arrived at the casino and refused to play until Neymar, who was running late, arrived. This delay caused frustration among other players and disrupted the flow of the game.
Once the game began, Butler’s behavior continued to draw criticism. He reportedly became upset over the rules of the game, particularly the “straddle” and “stand-up” game variations, which he found confusing. His frustration led to a heated argument with Bilzerian, during which Butler allegedly used profane language and displayed aggressive behavior.
Vertucci also claimed that Butler was rude to the dealers, staff, and other players throughout the evening. At one point, when Vertucci tried to calm the situation by placing a hand on Butler’s arm, Butler responded harshly, telling him to remove his hand and demanding his money.
Following the incident, Vertucci made it clear that Butler would not be welcomed back on the show. “He was rude to everybody,” Vertucci stated during a live stream, adding that Butler’s actions were unacceptable and disruptive to the game’s environment.
The poker community has had mixed reactions to the ban. Some players and fans support Vertucci’s decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere at the table. Others, however, believe that Butler’s behavior, while inappropriate, may have been exacerbated by the high-stakes and high-pressure environment of the game.
