The NBA world was rocked on Friday by the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups, which are part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting.
While Rozier’s career and freedom are now in jeopardy, one of his former teammates couldn’t resist having fun at his expense.
What Did Terry Rozier’s Former Teammate Say About His Arrest?
Shortly after the FBI’s announcement, Rozier’s former teammate, current Utah Jazz forward and five-time All-Star Kevin Love, playfully trolled him. Love shared an Instagram post depicting Rozier and Billups, adding the caption, “NO (Draft) Kings !!!”
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The arrests of both Rozier and Billups are part of a large investigation related to Mafia-influenced illegal sports betting and high-stakes poker games. Following the news, the NBA has placed both men on leave.
Rozier was arrested at the Heat’s team hotel in Orlando, following their 125-121 loss to the Orlando Magic in their season opener. He now faces money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges.
The FBI alleges that Rozier had access to sensitive information that could alter games and player performances. The bureau claims he leaked that information for money or a large share of betting profits. This situation escalated after the FBI met with Rozier in 2023, a meeting prompted by multiple sportsbooks flagging suspicious bets placed on him during a game that season when he was playing for the Charlotte Hornets.
Specifically, the sportsbooks noted a significant increase in bets on Rozier going under his projected points, rebounds, and assists, all within a 45-minute window. Rozier ultimately played just 10 minutes in that game, but was cleared of criminal activity then.
On the court, Rozier’s absence is unlikely to significantly impact the Heat, as the team reportedly spent the offseason hoping to trade him. He did not play in Miami’s season-opening loss to the Magic. Rozier averaged just 10.6 points per game last season, which was his lowest scoring output in five years.
MORE: Ex-NFL LB Takes Shot at Terry Rozier After NBA Player’s Gambling Arrest
Furthermore, his performance dipped across the board. He shot 39.1% from the field, which was also a five-year low, and his 29.5% three-point shooting was his worst mark since his rookie season. By the playoffs, he had fallen out of the team’s rotation and did not play at all as the Heat were swept out of the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As for Love, his social media accounts have become quite popular over the last few years due to his constant trolling. He has poked fun at former teammates, including LeBron James and Jimmy Butler, and larger league issues like the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade last season.
While Love says his social media behavior is meant to be light-hearted, Rozier may not be in a laughing mood.
