After being investigated for months, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested as part of the FBI’s recent gambling probe. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones were also arrested for their alleged involvement.
The NBA has put Rozier on unpaid leave, with his $26.6 million salary going into escrow — he will only receive it if he is cleared and allowed to return to the league. The NBPA recognizes the circumstances Rozier is in, but isn’t too happy with this decision.
What Did the NBPA Have to Say About the League’s Decision on Terry Rozier?
With the investigation against Rozier still ongoing, and following confirmation that the Heat guard wouldn’t be paid for an indefinite period of time, the NBPA released a statement about the league’s decision.
“While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our Collective Bargaining Agreement,” an NBPA spokesperson said. “We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”
Statement from an NBPA spokesperson on Terry Rozier: “While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent…
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 29, 2025
Indeed, Rozier is innocent until proven guilty. There’s a legitimate case that he should still be paid even while under arrest until there’s legitimate proof that he did anything illegal and/or against NBA rules.
Also, it’s worth noting that the NBA did its own investigation and cleared Rozier of any wrongdoing, clearing him to continue playing this season prior to his arrest. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained that while regulators noticed “aberrational betting behavior,” Rozier fully cooperated, handing over his phone and sitting for interviews.
“At the time, we couldn’t find proof of anything,” Silver said recently, adding that the league had since been working closely with federal authorities, who can investigate matters much more thoroughly than the NBA using subpoenas and other methods.
The NBPA makes a very compelling point that Rozier should get every penny of what he’s owed until he’s proven guilty, and it seems they are preparing to fight the NBA on this decision.
