The Miami Heat’s 2025 preseason was a nightmare, as they had zero wins in six games. The regular season hasn’t offered much relief as it started with a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic (125-121).
However, the biggest blow came off the court, as guard Terry Rozier was arrested. Once seen as a key rotation piece, Rozier now finds himself at the center of a gambling scandal threatening to end his career.
What Is the Latest Scandal Regarding Terry Rozier?
The FBI’s ongoing probe has now pulled in three familiar names: Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player turned assistant coach Damon Jones, all of whom have reportedly been taken into federal custody.
Billups is accused of being tied to high-stakes poker games that investigators claim were manipulated for profit. Jones allegedly leaked confidential team information that was later used by gamblers to gain an unfair edge.
“This is an illegal gambling and rigging operation that spanned the course of years. This fraud is historic in its scheme,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a press conference (as per CBS News).
Now, the spotlight has shifted to Rozier. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Heat guard was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, just after the team’s matchup against the Magic. It was a game in which he was active but didn’t see any minutes on the court.
Federal authorities believe Rozier was involved in questionable betting patterns and was particularly linked to one high-profile sports bettor who reportedly placed 30 wagers on Rozier’s in-game performance during a 2023 matchup.
“His case is connected to the betting scandal involving former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in the spring of 2024 for his role in a gambling scheme around player prop bets,” ESPN reported. “Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and admitted in court to manipulating his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season. He is awaiting sentencing in December.”
What Has Rozier’s Lawyer Said About This Case?
Following his arrest, Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, broke his silence and released an optimistic statement defending his client.
“We have represented Terry Rozier for over a year,” Trusty said. “A long time ago, we reached out to these prosecutors to tell them we should have an open line of communication… 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,” added Trusty, per The Athletic.
The game in question dates back to Rozier’s stint with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022–23 season.
On March 23, 2023, the Hornets faced the New Orleans Pelicans, and Rozier checked out of the game after just over nine minutes as he cited a sore right foot. Surprisingly, he scored only five points before exiting, which was a far cry from his usual output that season. After that night, Rozier didn’t return to action for the remainder of the season and missed the Hornets’ final eight games.
This specific game has become the centerpiece of the FBI’s allegations, with investigators suggesting a possible connection between Rozier’s early exit and the flood of successful wagers placed moments before tip-off. However, as mentioned above, Rozier’s legal team is pushing back hard against the narrative.
Rozier entered the NBA as the 16th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 2015, but his first full season with the Miami Heat didn’t go according to plan, as last season he averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. In short, his performance was far below the expectations that accompanied his arrival in South Beach.
As the Heat attempt to find their rhythm on the court, uncertainty looms off it. The big question now is whether Rozier will be able to suit up again or if he faces a lifetime ban like Porter.
