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Butler suspended again after walking out of practice

Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler joined the Heat from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. [Getty Images]

Jimmy Butler has been suspended indefinitely by the Miami Heat after a "continued pattern of disregard of team rules".

The six-time NBA All-Star, 35, had already been suspended twice by his team this month for disciplinary issues, ruling him out of nine matches.

The Heat said he walked out of a team practice on Friday and has now been suspended again without pay.

They said the suspension is "indefinite" but will "last no fewer than five games".

"The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services," a statement said.

Soon after the news emerged, Butler posted on Instagram with a clip from American TV show Martin, where the character jokes about being jobless.

Butler was first suspended at the start of January for what the Heat described as "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season".

Afterwards they said they would listen to trade offers for the forward.

He returned on 17 January and featured in matches on 18 and 19 January, only to miss a team flight the following week and be banned again for two matches.

He played 27 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers following his second suspension last week.

The Heat were set to face Orlando Magic on Monday evening (Tuesday, 00:30 GMT).