“I’m never going to apologize to my players for being tough. Never. That’s who I was. That’s how I was coached. And that’s how I was raised. That was my approach, but I also had a tremendous compassion for them when I was tough on them.” If there were any doubts about how Pat Riley works, he gave a rundown of how he handles things. One can easily make out why the majority of the former players are saying this is a losing battle for Jimmy Butler. Recently, another former Heat star too opined the same!

“He (Riley) suspended him (Butler) for seven games and I know he gave them (the NBPA) a 10-page letter and I know he gave them some film to show them why he suspended him.” Tim Hardaway Sr. said the Heat President was prepared to take any action. That’s why he justified it with letters and files. The 5x All-Star was part of the Heat Culture for 5 seasons, and during that time, The Godfather was the coach. So he has seen his ways more closely than others.

Miami Heat has also retired his jersey, so Hardaway’s opinion matters a lot. That’s when he shed light on why Butler was going about things in the wrong ways. “You don’t disrespect authority, and that’s what Jimmy Butler has been doing. And I tell you this, Pat Riley, this boat is going to sail on top of the water, as long as Pat Riley there. Jimmy Butler is trying to sink that ship. That ship is not going to sink. I’m all with Pat Riley.”

Jimmy Butler has been on the sidelines since the team’s January 2 loss against the Indiana Pacers. Since then Miami has won 2 and lost 2, with three more games left in his suspension, will the 35-year-old’s future be cleared in that time?

Pat Riley could send Jimmy Butler to ‘Australia’

ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins stated that the Suns already have a two-year, $121 million extension ready for the 6x All-Star. The move reportedly has Kevin Durant’s blessings as he is ready to sign a contract extension. However, the hurdle for Jimmy Butler still remains Pat Riley’s acceptance of the offer. As per another former player, that prospect ain’t looking good.

“But Pat ain’t going to send you the way you want to go. (He) going send you the NBL in Australia, you understand going be like don’t fu– around with Pat. Like this is just a battle that we don’t win as a player.” Carmelo Anthony, on his podcast, suggested one of his former teams as Jimmy Butler’s next destination. But later confirmed winning against The Godfather is next to impossible.

To make matters worse, the 2015 Most Improved Player recently made an indirect comment about the situation. During his suspension, Jimmy Butler was in his coffee store and complimented his barista: “This is our guy right here. See that? I gave you a compliment. That’s what bosses do. We build you up, we don’t break you down.” So, who will be in this situation? Or is the team suffering amidst the clash of the two?