Terry Rozier under federal investigation for alleged game manipulation

NBA guard faces scrutiny over 2023 game and possible gambling tie.

Terry Rozier #2 of the Miami Heat arrives at the arena before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 23, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

By Nada Fadiyah and Yuni Utomo

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for allegedly manipulating his performance in a 2023 NBA game as part of an illegal sports gambling operation. The investigation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, has raised concerns about the integrity of professional basketball and the growing influence of illegal betting activities.

The game in question took place on March 23, 2023, when Rozier was still playing for the Charlotte Hornets. During that matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rozier played only nine minutes and 34 seconds, scoring five points before exiting the game. At the time, the team cited a sore right foot as the reason for his early departure. However, prior to that game, Rozier had been averaging 35.3 minutes and 21.1 points per contest that season. He did not play in any of Charlotte’s final eight games, which has since drawn scrutiny from investigators.

Following reports of unusual betting activity surrounding Rozier’s performance in that game, the NBA launched its own investigation. However, Bass stated that the league “did not find a violation of NBA rules.”

“We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation,” Bass said.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York declined to comment on the matter.

Rozier linked to growing federal probe into sports gambling

Rozier is now the second known NBA player to be investigated by U.S. federal authorities for potentially manipulating his play as part of an illicit sports betting scheme. Former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after being caught deliberately underperforming in multiple NBA games. He was permanently banned from the league in April 2024 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Porter’s case is part of a broader federal crackdown on illegal sports gambling. Authorities have already arrested and charged five other individuals in connection with the gambling ring that allegedly involved Porter. According to the WSJ report, some of the same people linked to Porter’s case may have also had insider knowledge about Rozier’s performance in the March 2023 game, allowing them to place successful bets.

The allegations against Rozier could have significant consequences for both the player and the NBA. While the league’s investigation did not find wrongdoing, federal prosecutors have taken a deeper interest in potential betting irregularities, signaling a more aggressive approach toward corruption in professional sports.

NBA and teams respond as Rozier remains silent

So far, Rozier has not publicly addressed the investigation. His agent has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Spokespeople for the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets have also declined to issue statements beyond referring to the NBA’s official response. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Charlotte Hornets has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.

The ongoing investigation underscores the NBA’s growing battle against illegal gambling influences. The league has implemented stricter measures to monitor betting activity, particularly after the legalization of sports gambling in numerous U.S. states. Commissioner Adam Silver has previously voiced concerns about ensuring the integrity of games, and Rozier’s case may push the NBA to further tighten its policies.

What’s next for Rozier and the investigation?

It remains unclear what specific charges, if any, Rozier could face as the federal investigation continues. If prosecutors uncover direct evidence of game manipulation, he could be subject to severe legal consequences, including potential criminal charges.

For now, Rozier remains an active member of the Miami Heat, having been traded to the team earlier this season. However, if federal authorities move forward with charges, his future in the league could be at risk, as was the case with Porter.

With the NBA and law enforcement closely monitoring the situation, Rozier’s case could set a precedent for how the league handles allegations of gambling-related misconduct moving forward.