Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has been embroiled in a betting scandal for the last two seasons. The NBA has been investigating his alleged participation in gambling activities, but they decided to clear him before this season started.
The FBI decided to arrest him anyway. Rozier was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver decided to place him on immediate leave from the Heat.
Rozier’s arrest is tied to a game in March 2023 when he was still with the Hornets. Rozier is alleged to have pulled himself out of a game early against the Pelicans. He played just nine minutes in that game before leaving with a foot injury.
Rozier remains away from the team as the legal process sorts itself out. Now, ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that Rozier will not get paid while he is still on leave from the league.
Miami Heat Guard Terry Rozier Will Not be Paid While on Leave
While Rozier is fighting his charges from the FBI, he will have his checks held in escrow. He is due in court on December 8. It was reported by ESPN that Rozier had an $8 million tax lien from the IRS in 2023, the same time he is alleged to have manipulated his performance.
Commissioner Adam Silver said that he was “deeply disturbed” by the allegations when he was interviewed by Prime Video on Friday night. The NBA has embraced gambling more than other sports, as it was the first major sports league to not fight legislation to legalize sports gambling.
The Heat have fared well in Rozier’s absence so far this season, starting out 3-1. Miami has an offense that scores the most points in the league. Without Rozier, they seem to move the ball better and have higher quality shots.
The Heat Are Unsure When Terry Rozier Will Return
At this point, it is unclear when or if Rozier will return to Miami. If Rozier is found guilty of the charges brought before him, it is unlikely he will ever play in the NBA again. Silver will likely ban him for life. Silver banned Jontay Porter for life for his involvement in a betting scandal.
Rozier has denied all charges against him. The FBI believes they have enough evidence to convict him on all charges, but this could take months. It’s highly unlikely that even if Rozier were to be cleared that he would play at all this season.
Miami likely wouldn’t want Rozier back on the roster, anyway. They are playing too well without him to mess up the chemistry that they have built over the course of the first few games. If Rozier is convicted, the Heat will likely try to get his contract voided to clear up cap space.
The Heat have used Pelle Larsson to take over Rozier’s spot in the rotation, and he has performed well. Miami will also be better in the backcourt when Tyler Herro is able to return from his injury.
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