Heat guard Rozier arrested in sports betting investigation
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Heat guard Terry Rozier. Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested Thursday as part of a federal sports betting investigation that netted more than 30 arrests across the U.S.
Why it matters: Rozier is one of multiple current and former NBA players and coaches who were arrested in gambling-related investigations, law enforcement officials announced.
- Rozier faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said at a news conference.
State of play: The arrests stem from two separate but related investigations into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games.
- Rozier — who was arrested in Orlando after the Heat's season opener against the Magic — is accused of providing insider information to his gambling partners to place fraudulent bets.
The other side: Jim Trusty, Rozier's attorney, told Pablo Torre Finds Out in a statement that Rozier has already been cleared by an NBA investigation.
- "Terry was cleared by the NBA and these prosecutors revived that non-case. Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight."
Zoom in: Rozier, who was traded to the Heat last year, is alleged to have participated in the sports betting scheme while a member of the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.
- Ahead of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rozier made it known that he intended to leave the game early with a purported injury, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at the press conference.
- With that information, Rozier's co-conspirators placed about $200,000 in bets for Rozier to score under his betting lines, Tisch said.
- He exited the game after about nine minutes, and those bets generated tens of thousands of dollars, which were delivered to his home, Tisch said.