Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for possible involvement in an illegal sports betting operation, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Federal prosecutors are examining whether Rozier altered his performance in a March 2023 game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, an allegation that could have serious legal and professional consequences.
Unusual Betting Patterns Trigger Investigation
The investigation stems from a March 23, 2023 matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans, which ended in a 115-96 loss for Charlotte. U.S. Integrity, a firm specializing in monitoring sports betting markets for fraudulent activity, flagged unusual betting patterns on Rozier’s projected statistics during the game.
Rozier, who had been averaging 21.1 points and 35.3 minutes per game that season, started the game but logged just 9 minutes and 34 seconds before exiting with a foot injury. He finished with only five points, significantly below his season average. The irregularity of these bets prompted U.S. Integrity to notify the NBA and sportsbooks, leading to further scrutiny.
NBA and Federal Response
While Rozier has not been charged with any crimes or formally accused of wrongdoing, the investigation is now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The NBA previously conducted its own review and found no violation of league rules.
“In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement. “The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation.”
Rozier’s representative declined to comment, and the Miami Heat deferred inquiries to the NBA.
Legal Implications and Betting Scandals in Professional Sports
Federal authorities have increasingly focused on sports gambling-related crimes, especially in light of the widespread legalization of sports betting in the United States. If Rozier is found to have intentionally manipulated his performance to benefit illegal gambling interests, he could face criminal charges under federal statutes such as the Wire Act or fraud laws related to sports bribery.
This case also highlights growing concerns over integrity in professional sports, as leagues work to safeguard against potential betting-related corruption. Similar high-profile betting scandals have rocked sports in the past, including allegations involving NBA referee Tim Donaghy, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2008 for betting on games he officiated.
Rozier’s Current Status in the NBA
Now in his 10th NBA season, Rozier, 30, has been a key contributor for the Miami Heat, averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 41 games this season. However, the federal probe could cast a shadow over his career if further evidence emerges.
