The Chicago Bulls had plenty of problems when Jimmy Butler was there last season, but he’s not to blame for the altercation on Tuesday that left forward Nikola Mirotic in the hospital.
Mirotic was punched in the face by forward Bobby Portis Jr, so the Bulls suspended him eight games. Mirotic will miss 4-6 weeks with facial fractures and a concussion.
During today’s shoot-around in San Antonio, Butler, now with Minnesota, was asked if he noticed anything brewing between Mirotic and Portis when he played with them.
“All I know is I’m not to blame for this one,” said Butler, who laughed before adding, “I’m going to be quiet on the matter. Jimmy Butler’s not the bad guy.”
“All I know is I’m not to blame for this one.”—Jimmy Butler on the Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic fight. pic.twitter.com/8OaMKOVEqF
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) October 18, 2017
Butler and the Timberwolves open the season Wednesday against the Spurs. Tip-off in San Antonio is set for 8:30 p.m.
