"Rafer Alston's sudden departure from the Miami Heat took another twist Friday night, when the veteran point guard was placed on the NBA's Suspended List, and therefore suspended for the balance of the season without the possibility of a return.

Alston left the team a week ago after being demoted from his starting role. His only contact with the team since has been a text message to a team trainer that he would not be reporting.

He since has mentioned a recent suicide attempt by his twin sister as a contributing factor to his departure.

"While we are aware, through media reports, of the personal issue that Rafer is going through, we still have not heard from him," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement issued after Friday night's 108-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls at AmericanAirlines Arena. "As stated before, our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family during this time, but we are at the point where we must move forward with the rest of the season during our playoff push."