Federal Prosecutors are investigating Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in connection with a gambling scandal that led to the lifetime suspension of former NBA player Jontay Porter, the NBA confirmed Thursday.
The NBA became aware of suspicious betting activity involving Terry Rozier in March 2023, when he was playing for the Charlotte Hornets, according to Mike Bass, an NBA spokesperson. The Hornets were playing the New Orleans Pelicans in a game when this activity was reported.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Rozier, who played for the Hornets and now plays for the Heat, has not been charged with a crime or accused of any wrongdoing. The NBA looked into the situation at first and they did not find that any rules were broken.
“The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. The Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation.” said NBA Spokesman Mike Bass in a statement.
According to the Wall Street Journal, suspicions were raised when an unusual amount of bets were placed on the under for a few stats for Rozier.
On March 23, 2023, after playing nine minutes Rozier left the game with a sore right foot. He ended up recording five points on the stat sheet.
Bettors were upset when they realized Rozier was not going to return. Bettors thought the situation was “Shady”.
That same night some sportsbooks offered prop bets and then later took them down according to ESPN. Many bettors were wondering why the move took place.
Rozier was not listed on the injury report. The NBA Players Association agreed to provide him with resources but they also supported the league’s policy on sports gambling.