UPDATE: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups will not receive their salaries while on leave due to serious federal gambling charges, sources confirm. Their paychecks, including Rozier’s $26.6 million salary for this season, are being withheld and placed in escrow pending FBI investigations.
The alarming development comes just hours after Rozier was arrested on October 23, 2023, as part of a larger gambling-related probe involving nearly three dozen individuals. If Rozier is cleared of the charges, he is expected to receive his held payments in full, according to sources.
Rozier’s legal troubles are compounded by a federal tax lien totaling $8,218,211.70, allegedly filed by the IRS for unpaid taxes in 2021, although his attorney disputes the figure, claiming only $9,000 was owed. This lien has drawn significant media attention, with the IRS’s Broward County office yet to confirm its current status.
Moreover, federal authorities allege that Rozier conspired to manipulate bets based on his performance during a game while he was with the Charlotte Hornets on March 23, 2023. The controversy arose after unusual betting patterns were detected, prompting the NBA to investigate. However, the league found insufficient evidence to conclude any breach of rules, as they lack subpoena power compared to federal law enforcement.
This situation is escalating, with members of both the House and Senate demanding answers from the NBA regarding the handling of this sensitive issue. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell have expressed concerns over how the league managed these allegations and allowed Rozier to continue playing amidst ongoing investigations.
The implications of this case extend beyond Rozier and Billups. It raises urgent questions about gambling practices in professional sports, especially as the NBA looks to review its policies on sensitive information and injury reporting in light of these developments.
As the investigation unfolds, fans and the sports community are left to wonder about the future of Rozier and the broader ramifications for the league. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
