"Although suspended point guard Rafer Alston recently explained to ESPN his reasons for abruptly leaving the Heat, he continues to give his team the silent treatment.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wednesday that Alston still has not responded to the team's attempts to reach him since he left Miami on Friday to tend to a family matter.

Alston told ESPN.com on Tuesday that he went to Houston to be with his twin sister, Racine, after she reportedly attempted suicide. His departure also coincided with him losing the starting point guard job to Carlos Arroyo.

Alston also told ESPN.com that he left, in part, because he was told he was no longer in the playing rotation.

Spoelstra expressed sympathy for Alston's family, but denied he told Alston he was completely out of the plans."