The show no longer wants to see the Miami Heat forward at its felt after a recent outburst
NBA star Jimmy Butler, known for his dominance on the court, is no longer welcomed at Hustler Casino Live, a popular poker cash game show. Nick Vertucci, co-owner of Hustler Casino Live, announced during a recent livestream that Butler is “not welcome back” due to what he described as “rude” behavior during Butler’s one and only appearance on the show.
Butler, a seasoned NBA player with 14 years under his belt, participated in the high-stakes poker game on June 22. The lineup included well-known personalities such as social media influencer Dan Bilzerian, boxer Ryan Garcia, Twitch streamer Ninja, and Hustler Casino Live regular Alan Keating. Despite the star-studded lineup and intense poker action, Butler’s conduct during the event became a point of contention.
What happened with Jimmy Butler’s appearance on @HCLPokerShow pic.twitter.com/Rj9tIPfvLP
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) August 13, 2024
Vertucci expressed his displeasure with Butler’s attitude during the game. According to Vertucci, Butler was upset from the start, primarily due to waiting over an hour for soccer star Neymar to arrive before he would even begin playing. “He was pissed and wouldn’t play unless [Neymar] was here,” Vertucci stated.
Things escalated when future NBA Hall of Famer appeared confused and frustrated by the unconventional side games and straddling, common in the lineup. When Vertucci approached Butler to offer assistance, the NBA star responded harshly, telling him to “get your f*****g hand off my arm.” Despite Vertucci’s attempts to defuse the situation, Butler’s attitude remained contentious, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Vertucci further accused Butler of being rude to the dealers, other players, and even a young fan who wanted to meet him. The incident left such a negative impression on Vertucci that he made it clear Butler is no longer welcome on the show. “I don’t care how many viewers he brings, I don’t want him back,” Vertucci stated.
Butler joins Garrett Adelstein, another player who has been banned from Hustler Casino Live, reinforcing the show’s stance on maintaining a positive and respectful environment, regardless of a player’s celebrity status. It remains to be seen what other famous poker game the basketball star will play in from now on.
