Reason NBA Viewership Is Down” – Fans Demand Betting Refund After Heat Superstar Jimmy Butler’s Early Exit Against Oklahoma City Thunder
Jimmy Butler (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Miami Heat hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Kaseya Center on Friday night. The Thunder clinched a 104-97 victory against the Heat as the home side suffered an early setback. Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and was later ruled out of the game after playing just seven minutes. This infuriated the Heat fans, especially those who put their money on Butler during the game.
After playing for just over seven minutes, Butler turned his ankle and was taken out of the game. Later, it was announced that the Heat superstar wouldn’t return to the game against the Thunder due to illness. The update left the fans and bettors heartbroken with many demanding to void Butler.
Fans flooded social media with comments demanding the sportsbooks void Butler. Many fans call out various sportsbooks for robbery. While some betting companies refunded the money placed on Butler, others refused to make any changes. Here are some viral reactions on X.
A fan even shared a screenshot of his conversation with a sportsbook’s customer care executive. The bettor clearly mentioned Butler was ruled out due to an undisclosed illness and didn’t attempt a single shot while he was on the court. However, the sportsbook refused to make any changes and confirmed the wagers would stand.
Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Reacts To Jimmy Butler’s Exit Due To Illness
After losing the home game against the Western Conference toppers, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacted to Jimmy Butler’s illness. A reporter asked Spoelstra whether he knew about Butler’s illness before the game. “I’m not thinking any other thought. If guys say they can go, we’re going right now,” the Heat coach said.
Despite the loss, the Miami Heat continued to stay in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 13-12 record. The Heat lost their last two games and will face the Orlando Magic on the road on Saturday.
Angel Reese caught in Trinity and Dennis Rodman family drama
The LSU star’s viral moment with Dennis Rodman stirs emotions in Trinity, who shares her raw feelings about her father.
Angel ReeseAP Photo
Angel Reese, the LSU basketball standout, has unexpectedly found herself tangled in the ongoing family tensions between Dennis Rodman and his daughter, Trinity Rodman. Known for her dominant double-doubles, Reese once shared a high-profile moment with the NBA Hall of Famer, which Trinity recently addressed in an emotional interview.
During a candid conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Trinity Rodman opened up about her strained relationship with her father and how his larger-than-life presence has impacted her. Specifically, she recalled a viral moment from the 2024 WNBA season when Angel Reese donned Dennis Rodman’s iconic Detroit Pistons jersey ahead of a game, sparking widespread attention.
Is Angel Reese avoiding Chicago while living in luxury?
I’m not throwing shade at anybody,” Trinity clarified. “But I remember Angel Reese wore his jersey in one game, and there was a picture of them together. Seeing that as his daughter it’s like, no shade, but damn, I wish I had that kind of connection with him.
The soccer star, who helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to Olympic gold in Paris, expressed how moments like these highlight the emotional gap in her relationship with Dennis.
A complex father-daughter relationship
The interview delved deeper into Trinity’s complicated history with her father, whom she described as an “alcoholic” and often absent during her formative years. One particularly hurtful memory was Dennis Rodman’s surprise appearance at her playoff game in 2021, which she called “frustrating.”
Despite their fractured bond, Trinity has built an impressive career of her own. She’s become a pivotal player in the National Women’s Soccer League and a celebrated figure on the international stage.
