URGENT UPDATE: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested early Thursday morning as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into sports betting, sources confirm to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This shocking development comes just hours before a scheduled news conference at 10 a.m. ET, where officials from the Eastern District of New York and FBI Director Kash Patel are expected to announce further details regarding the investigation.
Rozier was taken into custody at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, where the Heat faced off against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Notably, Rozier did not participate in the game due to a coach’s decision, heightening scrutiny around his involvement in this high-stakes betting scandal.
This investigation has gained traction following a series of suspicious betting patterns linked to Rozier’s performance. Reports indicate that sportsbooks in multiple states flagged a sudden surge of bets on Rozier’s under for points, rebounds, and assists ahead of a game between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023. This unusual betting activity led to sportsbooks halting wagers on Rozier, who played only 10 minutes in that game before exiting due to a foot injury.
The case is part of a larger scandal involving former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in spring 2024 for his role in a gambling scheme surrounding player prop bets. Porter has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, admitting in court to manipulating his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season. He is currently awaiting sentencing set for December.
Four individuals, including Porter, have already pled guilty in this extensive case, while two others have been identified as conspirators and are engaged in plea negotiations, according to court documents.
In light of these alarming developments, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed concerns about betting manipulation during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He emphasized the league’s collaboration with sportsbook partners to mitigate potential exploitation, stating, “We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players, guys who don’t have the same stake in the competition.”
As this story develops, the implications of Rozier’s arrest could have far-reaching consequences for the NBA and the integrity of sports betting. Fans and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates following the press conference later this morning, as the investigation continues to unfold.
This urgent situation highlights the growing scrutiny of gambling practices in professional sports, and it remains to be seen how it will impact Rozier’s career and the larger landscape of the NBA.
