Embattled Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is fighting for his NBA career and freedom.
Rozier was arrested recently as part of the FBI’s continued crackdown on sports gambling and corruption. Now, a new report reveals Rozier was already having issues with the government prior to his betting-related arrest.
New Information Reveals Terry Rozier’s Additional Legal Troubles
ESPN insiders Paula Lavigne and David Purdum revealed in a new report that Rozier reportedly owed $8.2 million in unpaid taxes and was hit with a federal tax lien in 2023 — the same year he was accused of manipulating his game performance as part of a gambling scheme.
“The IRS filed the lien in Broward County, Florida, where Rozier has a residence,” Lavigne and Purdum wrote. Liens are generally sent after the taxpayer has been made aware of a past due balance. Rozier’s attorney said he doesn’t owe the IRS anymore and paid off the past due balance, adding, “We need the IRS to help remove the now-defunct lien.”
The new report helps paint a picture of Rozier’s financial struggles at the time of the gambling accusations. Rozier is accused of providing private information to a friend in 2023 about his plan to exit a game against the New Orleans Pelicans early. This information led to suspicious betting activity, with one professional bettor reportedly placing 30 bets on Rozier in less than an hour. The bettor bet the under on Rozier’s various stats, and the guard left the game after less than 10 minutes, citing a foot injury.
The NBA investigated Rozier in 2023, but he was cleared, citing insufficient evidence. However, Rozier now finds himself charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Lavigne and Purdum also uncovered a construction lien filed against Rozier in Broward County in 2022, once again painting a picture of his financial issues.
“It’s a federal crime to misrepresent a material piece of information. They are saying in placing these bets there was misrepresentations to the sports books.”
Partner of Pryor Cashman’s White Collar + Regulatory Enforcement Group & former federal prosecutor, Katherine C. Reilly… https://t.co/z6rEtvGtqC pic.twitter.com/XgCOuKsmuz
— ESPN Podcasts (@espnpodcasts) October 29, 2025
Rozier wasn’t expected to have much of a role with the Heat this season, as they tried to trade him during the offseason after he fell out of the rotation at the end of last season. Heat star Bam Adebayo has said that the team will support Rozier through this ordeal. Rozier is currently on leave from the NBA while battling these federal gambling charges.
Rozier won’t be paid while on leave, and his salary will be held in an escrow account. He will receive his full salary if he’s cleared to return to the league.
