Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier is reportedly being investigated by federal prosecutors due to his potential involvement in an illegal sports gambling ring. Rozier is currently in his 10th NBA season and first full season with Miami since arriving from the Charlotte Hornets via trade during the 2023-24 season.
“Federal prosecutors have been investigating whether veteran NBA player Terry Rozier manipulated his performance as part of an illegal sports betting scheme,” wrote Wall Street Journal’s Jared Diamond on Thursday afternoon.
“The inquiry into Rozier is part of a wider government probe into a sprawling ring of gamblers and poker players who have allegedly rigged games across the sports landscape, people familiar with the matter said.”
“The same investigation has already led a criminal charge and a lifetime ban from the NBA for former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter.”
As if the Heat weren’t already mired in enough controversy concerning Jimmy Butler’s trade wishes and the team’s on-court product, Rozier has been named as a potential member of an operation that may end with his permanent removal from the league if found to be involved.
Rozier would likely follow the same path as Porter, who is expected to be sentenced to a prison term after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on July 10. His sentencing was originally set for Dec. 18, but was later pushed back to May 20 of this year.
At 30 years old, Rozier is currently suffering through one of his worst statistical seasons, averaging 11.9 points and 2.9 assists on a 47.2% effective field goal percentage in 41 appearances for the Heat this season.
A former Sixth Man of the Year candidate for his efforts during the 2017-18 season with the Boston Celtics, Rozier would eventually become one of the league’s best scoring guards despite standing at just 6-foot-1, contributing a career-best 21.1 points as a member of the Hornets in 2022-23.
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