Rumors had swirled for weeks that star forward Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami β it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it had become a distraction, and that they wouldn't trade him.
Well, in the span of a week, the team has since done an about-face, admitting in another statement on Friday that Butler has asked to be moved, and they will look to fulfill that request.
In that same statement on Friday, the Heat announced they have suspended Butler for seven games "for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks."
"Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers," the Heat said on Friday.
Butler's agent had shut down reports by ESPN that he wanted to be traded, but it seems like it's always been the opposite.
Butler will not be with the team for its home game Saturday against the Utah Jazz and then the totality of a six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.
In theory, the earliest that Butler could play again for the Heat is Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets β but he has likely played for Miami for the final time.
Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He has played in two NBA Finals with them, losing both.
It wouldn't be the first playoff seeding oddity. There have been 7-9 teams who have won divisions, which means they automatically hosted playoff games.
But with his team in danger of losing just three games but not being at home on wild-card weekend, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says the format needs to be revamped.
"It's crazy. I think the rule should be changed," St. Brown told reporters this week. "Obviously, if you win the division, you should obviously make a playoff spot, but having a 14-win team having to go on the road is kind of crazy. But I guess I don't make the rules."
The NFL and MLB have similar formats in which top seeds get a bye, and all division winners have home-field advantage in the first round. The NBA seeds based on standings in the conference regardless of division, while the NHL does a combination of conference and division standings but with no byes.
St. Brown says his team has nothing to worry about anyway.
"Either way, I think we'll be fine. Whether it's going on the road or having a bye week and playing at home, we're built for either or," he said.
The Lions and Vikings kick off in Detroit Sunday. The Packers, also in the NFC North, sit at 11-5 and are the sixth seed heading into the weekend.
A confrontation ensued, and Kerley was arrested. Bodycam footage caught Kerley being tased by an officer, while a bystander pleaded with officers to "stop" because "he didn't do anything."
Kerley faces charges of battery on a police officer, corrections officer or firefighter; resisting an officer without violence; and disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance.
However, the Miami-Dade County Jail website later incidated he was back in custody on charges of domestic violence, strangulation and robbery.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Kerley and his wife got into a verbal, and then physical, dispute in May on his birthday when Kerley's wife was in contact with an "unknown person on Instagram."Β
Kerley approached his wife aggressively, and she punched him out of fear, according to the affidavit. Kerley then "grabbed the victim, pushed her to the ground, encircled his arm around her neck and impeded her breathing."
The affidavit says Kerley then stole his wife's cellphone after placing her in a second chokehold. Kerley was not present when authorities arrived, and witnesses became uncooperative.
A probable cause alert was then entered into the jail's system, and he was charged after his arrest Thursday night.
Kerley won a bronze medal in Paris in the summer in the 100 meters, while teammate Noah Lyles earned his first Olympic gold. Kerley won the 2022 world championships in the event and silver in the Tokyo Olympics.
He also has world championships in the 4x400-meter relay in 2019 and the 4x100-meter relay in 2023.
Kerley was a part of the 4x100-meter team in Paris that was disqualified due to a botched handoff. Lyles figured to be a part of that team but fell ill with COVID earlier in the week, which contributed to him falling short in the 200 meters, an event for which he was the heavy favorite.
Kerley accused the United States Track and Field Association of playing favorites by adding Lyles to the 4x400-meter team in the 2024 world championships.
Alabama Senator and former college football coach Tommy Tuberville released a statement on Friday expressing his frustration with the presentation of the Sugar Bowl on Thursday, one day after a deadly terror attack in New Orleans killed at least 14 innocent people.Β
Tuberville, who coached in three Sugar Bowls, including two as the head coach of Auburn, called out ESPN for not broadcasting the national anthem before the game and instead airing a controversial video message by Allstate CEO Tom Wilson, who urged Americans to "overcome addiction to divisiveness."Β
"It was my distinct honor to have coached in three Sugar Bowls during my coaching career. American sports, and especially college football, have always been a patriotic tradition that brings ALL AMERICANS together. Unfortunately, ESPN (who is owned by Disney) gave in to the woke mob last night by REFUSING to air the National Anthem and instead played a video of the Allstate CEO talking about βdivisiveness.β Yet, he failed to condemn the terrorist who brutally killed [14+] people," Tuberville said. Β
"This was a chance for us all to come together. But instead of honoring the innocent lives lost, these woke corporations bowed to terrorists."
Tuberville then referenced President-elect Trump's recent electoral victory as evidence that Americans are done with "woke ideology."
"November 5th was a mandate from the American people. Woke ideology lost. Get on board with America First or get out," Tuberville said.Β
Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23-10, but much of the discussion during the game was centered on Wilson's controversial video statement. Allstate, the official corporate sponsor, and Wilson have come under fire across social media for the statement, and the video has since been deleted from official Allstate pages.Β
Allstate provided a statement to Fox News Digital on the statement.Β
"To be clear, Allstate CEO Tom Wilson unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism and violence in all forms. We stand with the families of the victims, their loved ones and the community of New Orleans. The reference to overcoming divisiveness and negativity reflects a broader commitment to fostering trust and positivity in communities across the nation," the statement read.
The suspected attacker has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI is working to determine Jabbar's "potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations," after an ISIS flag was found affixed to the truck.
Jabbar's younger brother told the New York Times that he and his Army veteran brother were raised Christian in Beaumont, Texas, before the now-deceased attacker converted to Islam as an adult.
"What he did does not represent Islam," the younger brother said. "This is more some type of radicalization, not religion."
Retired FBI agents Scott Duffey and Chris Swecker told Fox News Digital that Wednesday's attack could embolden ISIS, other terrorist groups or individuals who have been radicalized.
"This is a time where ISIS is under extreme stress and their existence is being threatened in Syria and elsewhere. It would make sense for them to double down on their message to radicalize Americans to put them into action and activate any cells that they have in place," Swecker said.
The attack in New Orleans came nearly two weeks after a suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Germany and the same day that an explosion went off outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada.Β
Fred Kerley was charged with battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct after a confrontation with police, authorities said. His lawyer called it "a total misunderstanding" and claimed police used excessive force.
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