Terry Rozier, former Charlotte Hornets player now with the Miami Heat, is under federal investigation for alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting scheme. The probe focuses on a game from March 2023, when Rozier's performance raised suspicions of point-shaving. The investigation is linked to a broader case that led to a lifetime ban for former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. Rozier has not been charged, and the NBA's initial investigation found no rule violations.
Terry Rozier, a prominent NBA player currently with the Miami Heat, is under federal investigation for his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting scheme. The investigation is part of a broader probe that previously led to a lifetime ban for former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. The focus is on Rozier's performance during a game in March 2023, which raised suspicions of point-shaving. While Rozier has not been charged, the case has attracted significant attention due to its potential implications for the NBA and its betting partners.
The game in question took place on March 23, 2023, between the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier's team at the time, and the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier played only the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds, scoring five points, grabbing four rebounds, and providing two assists before leaving due to a foot injury. His early exit and subsequent absence from the remaining games of the season raised eyebrows, especially as Rozier was a key player for the Hornets, averaging 21.1 points and 5.1 assists per game that season[1][2].
The investigation into Rozier is part of a larger probe into a gambling ring that allegedly manipulated sports outcomes, a case that also implicated Jontay Porter. The NBA, alerted to unusual betting activity involving Rozier's performance, conducted its own investigation but found no violations of league rules. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is now leading the investigation, with the NBA cooperating fully. Rozier has neither been charged with a crime nor accused of wrongdoing, and his attorney expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will clear his name[2][3].
The investigation highlights the complexities and potential vulnerabilities of sports betting markets. The case against Rozier is linked to a broader investigation into illegal betting activities involving multiple sports and players. This includes the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter, who was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for sharing confidential information with bettors. The NBA has since tightened its regulations on prop bets, particularly for players with lower salaries or those on short-term contracts. This case underscores the ongoing challenges sports leagues face in maintaining the integrity of their games amidst the growing popularity of sports betting[4][5].
As the investigation into Terry Rozier continues, the NBA and its partners remain vigilant in monitoring suspicious betting activities. While Rozier has not been charged, the case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with sports betting. The league's response, including stricter regulations on prop bets, aims to preserve the integrity of the game. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how the NBA and other sports leagues handle similar situations in the future.
"The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules." - Mike Bass
"We are confident that the ongoing government investigation will arrive at the exact same conclusion." - Jim Trusty