THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI -- Rafer Alston's season with the Miami Heat is officially over.

Alston was moved to the suspended list by the Heat late Friday night, one week after he left the team without telling any member of the organization why.

Alston told ESPN earlier this week that his departure stemmed from a personal matter involving his sister. He still has not explained the absence to the team, Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement released Friday night after Miami beat Chicago.

"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," Riley said.

Alston played in 25 games for the Heat since signing with the club on Jan. 7, averaging 6.6 points and 2.9 assists.