The NBA world was shocked Thursday morning as Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested by the FBI in Orlando as part of a federal sports betting investigation.
The development came just hours after the Heat’s season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic, sending shockwaves through the basketball community.
Why Did the FBI Arrest Terry Rozier?
Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of an FBI sports betting probe, according to ESPN.
The Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel held a press conference at 10 a.m. ET to announce the arrests made during the investigation.​
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of an FBI sports betting gambling probe, sources tell ESPN. The Eastern District of New York and FBI director Kash Patel will hold a press conference at 10 am ET to announce arrests from investigation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2025
The arrest occurred just hours after the Heat’s matchup against the Magic, a game in which Rozier was listed as available but did not play due to a coach’s decision.
Federal authorities allege Rozier was linked to suspicious betting activity, with one professional bettor reportedly placing 30 bets on him within less than an hour of a 2023 game. The bettor bet the under on Rozier’s various stats, and the guard exited the game after just 10 minutes due to a foot injury.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested this morning by the FBI along with other numerous arrests. U.S. Attorney will hold a press conference at 10am ET to disclose details involving illegal gambling schemes. pic.twitter.com/GYlZKnvrZE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 23, 2025
Rozier is among the individuals who faced charges Thursday in a federal case alleging they exploited confidential information to make illegal bets.
“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.”
The veteran guard joined the Heat in January 2024 after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier played four and a half seasons with Charlotte, becoming one of the team’s leading scorers and averaging more than 19 points per game before the trade.​
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones were also arrested on Thursday.
